Frank gives scholarships

ELEVEN Namibian athletes were recently awarded scholarships by the Frank Fredericks Foundation (FFF), which will mainly cater for their educational needs and running gear.

The biggest share of this year’s scholarship went to sprinting sensation Frank Puriza, who was awarded a N$20 000 to cover part of his studies at Utah University in the United States. Puriza, a 200- and 400-metre athlete, is set to leave for the US on December 12 after completing matric.Other beneficiaries include his running mates Hitjivirue Kaanjuka and Chriswell de Wee, who each received N$3 000.Middle-distance runner Salti Eshitile received N$3 500 for her fantastic performance on the track this season.Other athletes who were given an amount of N$2 500 were Merilyn Diamond, Keshia Kalomo, Globien Muyova, Tjipekapora Herunga, Horatius Abrahams, Salomo Tuaire and Lipula Petrus.Fredericks explained to The Namibian Sport yesterday that the scholarships are given to athletes who perform well at the annual Frank Fredericks Invitational, while other races are also taken into account.He said the FFF has invested at least N$150 000 in about 50 athletes for the four years that it has been in existence.He said Puriza was the first to receive such a big amount to cover part of his studies.Fredericks, one of the finest athletes that Namibia has ever produced, said other athletes are also allowed to make written requests and should give a motivation before being considered for scholarships.Puriza, a 200- and 400-metre athlete, is set to leave for the US on December 12 after completing matric.Other beneficiaries include his running mates Hitjivirue Kaanjuka and Chriswell de Wee, who each received N$3 000.Middle-distance runner Salti Eshitile received N$3 500 for her fantastic performance on the track this season.Other athletes who were given an amount of N$2 500 were Merilyn Diamond, Keshia Kalomo, Globien Muyova, Tjipekapora Herunga, Horatius Abrahams, Salomo Tuaire and Lipula Petrus.Fredericks explained to The Namibian Sport yesterday that the scholarships are given to athletes who perform well at the annual Frank Fredericks Invitational, while other races are also taken into account.He said the FFF has invested at least N$150 000 in about 50 athletes for the four years that it has been in existence.He said Puriza was the first to receive such a big amount to cover part of his studies.Fredericks, one of the finest athletes that Namibia has ever produced, said other athletes are also allowed to make written requests and should give a motivation before being considered for scholarships.