WINDHOEK – Namibia’s 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games half marathon gold medallist Ruben //Gowaseb is ready to represent the country at this year’s World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi.
The event will be held in the United Arab Emirates from 14 to 21 March with a total of 170 countries and 7 000 athletes competing in various sport codes.
Simon Muinjo, the national director of Special Olympics Namibia told Nampa on Monday that they planned to send two teams to the championships initially but due to financial constraints they decided to send //Gowaseb alone.
“Our mission to travel to the games were made possible by Special Olympics International. We wanted to send a basketball team as well but finances couldn’t allow us,” he said.
He added that //Gowaseb started preparing for this global event a year ago and he is mentally ready to compete once more.
“//Gowaseb’s head is in the right space. He is physically prepared as well, because only the right mind set will make you a champion. //Gowaseb said he is not just going to participate in the games, but is going to make Namibia proud,” said Muinjo.
The marathon runner will be accompanied by head of delegation Cliff Olivier, assistant head of delegation Wahl Abrahams and coach Cornelius Shimbuli.
Olivier left the country on 4 March to attend the head of delegate meeting on 5 March, while the rest of the crew will depart on 7 March to take part in the host town programmes.
The opening ceremony of the Summer Games will take place on 14 March while the closing ceremony is set for 21 March.
Muinjo also mentioned that credit should be given to the managing director of Dinapama Manufacturing and Supplies who sponsored Team Namibia with tracksuits (national colours) as well as other sportswear. – Nampa
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