The deadline for various sports codes in Namibia to submit the names of specifically identified athletes to the Sports Commission is looming. Considering the sport sector's limited resources and the fact that medals are not forthcoming, the body entrusted with sports development in the country has mandated its affiliates to submit names for potential medal contenders by the end of this month. The deadline is applicable to those in particular, who are involved in major events like the Olympics, the All African games as well as the Commonwealth games Chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission, Freddie Mwiya, said the days are gone, when athletes were handpicked to represent the country at major competitions - three months prior to that event. The Commission wants to prioritise and invest where it matters most, so it can support those specific athletes at major international games. Mwiya added that athletes under the age of 20 were especially to be identified and names of people that are on the verge of retiring are not going to be permitted. Mwiya also called on sports officers in the regions, to get in touch with the various federations to ensure that athletes in rural areas are not left behind as was the case in the past. Meanwhile, the deadline for nominations for the Namibia Annual Sports Awards passed on Tuesday and Mwiya is happy with the response. “We have seen that many people have submitted and we look forward for a very great year of sport to ensure that at least the best athletes are awarded come the 27th of October,” he explained.