Families, athletes, and local businesses gathered at Affies Park in Windhoek earlier today for the Namibia Hockey Union's Potjies with Purpose Colour Fun Run and Walk to raise funds for Namibia's Under-19 national hockey team. The fundraiser was organized to assist the squad with preparations for the upcoming Junior African Tournament in Zimbabwe.

The event featured 10-kilometre, 5-kilometre, and 2.5-kilometre runs, followed by community activities including potjie meals, live entertainment, and a lively vendor market.

Event Coordinator Rozanne Fourie explained that the initiative aimed to support the athletes while simultaneously empowering small businesses. "The initiative came from getting a fundraiser together for the Under-19 hockey team traveling to Zimbabwe. We didn't want to just ask for sponsorships, so we opened vendor stalls for a small fee. All the profit they make goes directly to them, allowing us to give back to the business community as well."

Local entrepreneurs welcomed the platform, noting that such gatherings help build brand visibility, connect with new customers, and generate supplementary income. Vendor Tristen Venganayi shared how the setup benefits emerging brands."We are still growing as a business making handmade leather bags. Participating in events like this is very important because it allows us to meet new people and introduce customers to our main shop."

Echoing these sentiments, vendor Jacques Gouws highlighted the mutual benefits of vendor markets at community sports gatherings. "Any vendor attending an event like this gains valuable exposure to potential clients while promoting their products. It provides additional income, and I think it is a great opportunity for any vendor to participate in a sports event like this."

By blending athletic fundraising with local entrepreneurship, the Potjies with Purpose Colour Fun Run and Walk demonstrated how sports can successfully bring communities together to empower young athletes and support local businesses.