Paulus guns for All-Africa Games

WINDHOEK – Frans Paulus, the first paraplegic athlete to complete a major cycling race in Namibia, has set his sights on becoming the African champion during the 2007 All Africa Games scheduled for July in Algeria.

Paulus, from Oshakati, was one of two wheelchair-bound athletes who took part in the 2007 Nedbank Cycling Tour in February. He completed the 30 km in an unofficial time of two hours, 14 minutes but said after the race he could have been faster if he had competition.His fellow athlete with disabilities, Gideon Ndaluka, could not complete the race due to a bad fall.Paulus is the Namibian national champion in the 800m and 1500m and has already qualified for the AAG.The 25-year-old sportsman regularly competes in track and field and basketball.He cycles 20 km per week and over 60 km once a month as part of his training regime.However, his training has been impeded when the small front wheel of his racing wheelchair broke.It costs N$750 and is only available in South Africa.He cannot use this wheelchair anymore but has been doing power training to keep fit.At the moment, there are only two wheelchairs for track and road racing in Namibia.The wheelchairs were a gift from Namdeb and are valued at N$15 000 each.He said he really wants to go to Algeria to compete against the best on the continent but to race competitively he needs to be very fit and fast.Paulus has appealed to Good Samaritans for assistance in making his dream come true.He said he will appreciate any help, be it cash or in kind.Paulus can be reached at cellphone number 081 298 4222.NampaHe completed the 30 km in an unofficial time of two hours, 14 minutes but said after the race he could have been faster if he had competition.His fellow athlete with disabilities, Gideon Ndaluka, could not complete the race due to a bad fall.Paulus is the Namibian national champion in the 800m and 1500m and has already qualified for the AAG.The 25-year-old sportsman regularly competes in track and field and basketball.He cycles 20 km per week and over 60 km once a month as part of his training regime.However, his training has been impeded when the small front wheel of his racing wheelchair broke.It costs N$750 and is only available in South Africa.He cannot use this wheelchair anymore but has been doing power training to keep fit.At the moment, there are only two wheelchairs for track and road racing in Namibia.The wheelchairs were a gift from Namdeb and are valued at N$15 000 each.He said he really wants to go to Algeria to compete against the best on the continent but to race competitively he needs to be very fit and fast.Paulus has appealed to Good Samaritans for assistance in making his dream come true.He said he will appreciate any help, be it cash or in kind.Paulus can be reached at cellphone number 081 298 4222.Nampa