Para stars in limbo

LIKE so many others across the world, Namibia’s para-athletes have had their world turned upside down by the rampaging coronavirus.

They have become beacons of excellence for Namibia at major competitions, where they regularly get on the podium and ensure the country’s flag does not fly unnoticed.

These standard bearers primarily depend on training stipends and competitions to make ends meet. In essence, sports was their way out from prejudice and being considered a liability.

“Most of these athletes come from previously disadvantaged communities where the stigma against people living with disabilities is still common. But when they started doing sports they became able to contribute at home,”said Namibia Paralympic Committee secretary general Michael Hamukwaya.

The Paralympics were due to start on 25 August but International Paralympic Committee president Andrew Parsons said “the only logical option” was to postpone the event to “no later than [northern hemisphere] summer 2021”.

“Financially, it will hit us very hard,” Hamukwaya lamented

“These athletes look forward to being selected for national duties because it means they can get something for their pockets. It’s not a lot, but it really helps,” he said.

The build up to Tokyo 2020 was to include the now deferred South African Sport Association’s People with Disabilities’ National Championship and Grand Prix, which doubles as a Paralympic qualifier, and Athletics Namibia’s national grand prix series.

Unable to train properly due to the intolerable conditions, and in the dark over when their programme may resume, the athletes have been told to go back home.

“They are obviously very devastated. Their livelihood depends on sports. They are missing out on many opportunities, as sometimes when you come back home with a medal from a big championship, you get rewards. That won’t be happening this time. It’s a heartbreaking situation,” Hamukwaya said.

“We don’t even know whether we will be included in the national awards as these two major events [Paralympics and SA championship] are not happening this year.”

Their angst is not for nought though, the official added. Thus far, Namibia has nine confirmed cases of Covid-19, with the government announcing a partial lockdown for the Khomas and Erongo regions, effective today at midnight.

The internal travel restrictions will apply for a period of 21 days, starting today to Thursday, 16 April.

“We are mindful of the pandemic, so as much as we are disappointed that the Paralympics are off, we understand the situation,” noted Hamukwaya.

“It’s better we tackle this early and that all of us follow the safety measures which are being put in place. The sooner we all do the right thing, the sooner we can get over this pandemic so that we are all able to continue life as normal,” he said.

Namibia Athletes Commission chairperson Gaby Ahrens sympathised with the despondent athletes but sees light at the end of the tunnel.

“It was clear that most of our qualified Olympians struggled with the uncertainty of not knowing if and when the games will take place. To remain focused and motivated and positive as an athlete and not knowing what you are training for is not easy,” Ahrens said.

She however, supports the Toyko Games’ postponement in light of the ongoing fight against Covid-19.

“With the IOC confirmation of the postponement of the Games, the athletes have the chance to regroup, plan and prepare for next year,” she said.

“Chances for a podium place will be there next year too. Athletes are given one year’s notice, it’s enough time to ensure that your plan and programme are on track.

“I believe that the current situation with coronavirus has added stress and was not beneficial for preparations and that it would be difficult for athletes to perform at the best of their abilities in this current uncertain environment,” said Ahrens.

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