The 34-year-old Benade paid a courtesy call to Minister of Sport Willem Konjore yesterday.

Accompanied by his Manager, Penandino Kandjii, Benade said he is confident of delivering a good performance and bringing home the gold medal he trained for.

Benade will compete in discus and shot-put in the F36 Classification.

"I have big hopes and dreams and will return with a gold medal," said the confident Benade.

In the late '90s Benade qualified for the world championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and for the Olympic Games in Sidney, Australia in 2000, but an accident robbed him of the opportunity to represent his country.

Benade was hit by a car while riding a motorbike, and the accident left him paralysed from his shoulders down.

Benade will be travelling with his coach, Michael Hamukwaja, and will be welcomed by Namibia's Chef de Mission, Joan Smith, who remained in Beijing after the Summer Olympics to welcome the trio.

During the courtesy call, Namdeb senior communications officer Anne-Nora Lameck presented Benade with a N$10 000 cheque.

Kandjii said Benade will use the money to buy some equipment he needs.

Konjore said sending one athlete to an event of that magnitude means the country has confidence in the athlete.

Said Konjore: "Go do your level best even if your are the only one, carry the Namibian flag high and put Namibia on the world map."

Benade called on all Namibians to keep him in their prayers during his stay in Beijing.

The team is expected back home on September 20.

Nampa

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