Paralympics Namibia broadens horizons

WITH support for their cause at a premium back home, the National Paralympic Committee of Namibia reached out to well-wishers abroad in order to improve their Tokyo 2020 fortunes.

As part of preparations for the Para-athletics Berlin Grand Prix taking place from 30 June to 2 July in Germany, NPC secretary general Michael Hamukwaya enlisted the assistance of “a young dynamic lady from The Netherlands, Elisa Ostet, who through her contacts and in conjunction with the Sport on the Move Foundation, connected us with different sports organisations in Enschede”.

“They gave the Namibia Paralympic Committee the opportunity to train and use their facilities free of charge for one week in preparation for this Para-Athletics Grand Prix in Germany,” he said.

Hamukwaya, who doubles up as coach, is with elite athletes Ananias Shikongo and guide Even Tjiviju, and Johannes Nambala, where they train at athletics club ACTION.

Their itinerary thus far included a visit to the Dutch national Olympic training centre on 19 June in Papendal, where they trained with their Dutch counterparts before another workout at the TRIFORA sport and health club’s high performance centre with personal trainer Leon Stevense on the morning of 21 June.

Thereafter, the athletes took part in a competition organised by the FBK sport club, and won their races.

Shikongo and Tjiviju won the 100m in a time of 11,51 seconds, with Nambala running the 400m in 50,64 seconds, while Tjiviju also had the opportunity to run on his own, and won a 100m race in 11,13 seconds.

“The main aim of this exercise is to build new partnerships with these sports institutions where our athletes could benefit through high performance preparation in future, and especially for Tokyo 2020,” said Hamukwaya.

“This will also open many doors for our athletes to the world as we have managed to form partnerships with some of these sports institutions. There is even the possibility of creating exchange programmes between the two countries through Paralympic sports,” he continued.

A second group consisting mainly of untested young athletes was due join their senior compatriots in Berlin on Tuesday for the competition.

Hamukwaya intends grooming the promising youngsters in Berlin, where they will get the opportunity to graduate to the elite team, and replenish the ranks to increase the chances of winning medals at future events.

“This team consists of seven young para-athletes who the NPC identified, and have never been classified before. This will present an opportunity for them to get international classification in Berlin in preparation for upcoming major championships like the 2019 All Africa Games in Kenya, the 2019 IPC world championships in Qatar, and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games,” Hamukwaya explained.

If Namibia is to make an impression at these competitions, the athletes will require more support back home, he added.

For the Berlin Grand Prix, long-time chief sponsors Nampower have covered travelling, accommodation and meals’ expenses.

“The training camp week in The Netherlands was fully sponsored by our friend Elisa Ostet and her beloved husband Sebastian, who accommodated us at their house, and also provided meals and transportation during our stay at Enschede,” a grateful Hamukwaya said.

He hopes Namibians will take a leaf out of the generous Dutch hosts, and rally behind the team.

“With all these preparations, the NPC still faces many challenges, including not being able to pay coaching fees for the national athletics coach (they do this job on a voluntary basis); transportation for athletes to and from training; no strength training equipment; as well as no sports kit and nutritional needs for our athletes at home,” Hamukwaya lamented.

“It has not been easy, and we are hoping for funding from local companies towards Paralympics sport. In this way, these Paralympic athletes can bring more success to our beloved Land of the Brave.

“We are appealing to any sports-loving Namibian and corporate entities to support this team financially or in kind towards the preparation of these important upcoming events. It will give an opportunity and unique way of worldwide marketing for Namibia at the highest level through sports,” he pleaded.

“In conclusion, these are very good preparations for our elite athletes towards the Para-athletics Grand Prix in Berlin next week. Definitely, the athletes are ready to do their best and improve where possible as they are aware of the task ahead – to perform optimally at the Grand Prix.

For donations or sponsorships, well-wishers can contact namparalympics@yahoo.com.

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