The NNOC announced that it had allocated a preparation grant of N$1 million for Namibia's athletes who have qualified for the Olympic Games, which take place in Beijing from August 8 to 24.

Helalia Johannes and Beata Naigambo each received N$57 000 to prepare for the Beijing Olympics, while the rest of the athletes are still to get their share.

They will all get the same amount.

Eight Namibian athletes have so far qualified for the Games this year, still a significantly lower number than in previous years.

The dwindling numbers, according to Tjongarero, were largely forced by high qualifying standards set by the IOC.

The other athletes, Tjongarero says, will be given their allocation to prepare for the Games at a later stage, as all were currently out of the country.

Tjongarero said the grants were made possible by the International Olympic Committee and its Olympic Solidarity Programme.

So far, the athletes who will make the trip to China include Mejandjae Kasuto, Japhet Uutoni and Julius Indongo who are all boxers, shooter Gaby Ahrens and cyclists Erik Hoffmann and Mannie Heymans.

Two more athletes, middle-distance runner Agnes Samaria and long jumper Stephan Louw, set qualifying times last year, but need to do so again this year, in accordance with the NNOC's strict qualifying criteria.

Samaria so far has only reached the B qualifying standard, which is acceptable, but Tjongarero argues that she needs to reach the A standard to be competitive at the event.

Both will be competing in international athletics events on the European circuit and have until the end of July to qualify.

Tjongarero said they would try to make funds available to allow Hitjivirue Kaanjuka, who competes in the 100- and 200-metre sprints, to qualify for the Games, as he also stood a good chance.

"We will try to get funds available for him to meet the qualifying standards as he has proven that he is capable enough at various international races."

Kaanjuka studies and trains in South Africa.

"We also appeal to the entire nation to support our athletes by signalling that we have a winning formula and are excited about their participation and performance," she added.

She also called on Namibia's business community, NGOs and individuals to support the athletes financially and in kind.

Johannes will leave for India today to compete in one international race as part of her preparations, while the Namibian boxers are currently also out of the country as they prepare for the Games.

Johannes qualified for the Olympics when she came seventh at the Seoul International Marathon on March 15 in a time of 2:33:06, while Naigambo qualified when she came third at the Mangyongdae Marathon in Pyongyang on April 5 in a time of 2:33:17.

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