Special Olympics and NFA sign proclamation

WINDHOEK – The Namibia Football Association (NFA) and Special Olympics Namibia (SON) re-affirmed their commitment towards each other with the signing of a proclamation at the Soccer House in Katutura Wednesday.

Through the public statement the NFA, as member of the International Federation of Football Associations (Fifa), declared unanimous support and affinity for SON and all its players whose extraordinary courage on and off the field represent the true spirit of sportsmanship. In return, SON will convey this support from the NFA to all its athletes and supporters with the purpose of enhancing the sport of football.The document was signed by NFA Acting Secretary General, Barry Rukoro, Fifa Special Olympics Africa Project Co-ordinator, Charles Nyambe, and SON Chairperson, Jutta Rohwer.Fifa and SON joined forces in 2006 to promote opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities involved in Special Olympics national programmes in three African countries.Namibia, Tanzania and Botswana were selected as pilot projects for the Fifa Special Olympics Africa Development Project called ‘Football For Hope’.Following the successful conclusion of the Project in 2006, Fifa announced an extension of the project expanding to seven other countries of Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Uganda, South Africa and Rwanda.The development project aims to contribute to the visibility, acceptance and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Africa.On his part, Fifa head of development, Pascal Torres, said Fifa’s main objective is to improve the lives of all people, therefore, partnership is the key.It is in this light that Fifa was busy establishing a department for social responsibility, he said.On behalf of the NFA, Rukoro said they hope for more activities such training sessions, workshops and community events with SON athletes.Rukoro added that with the NFA’s assistance the SON team can be assured of a gold medal at the forthcoming SO World Summer Games in China in November this year.He then applauded former national team player Arnold Subeb, who was appointed as Fifa Project Co-ordinator in Namibia.Also speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Youth, national Service, Sport and Culture, Pohamba Shifeta, commended SON for the exemplary work done.Shifeta conveyed his appreciation to the NFA who have pledged their support again, saying government welcomes such initiatives.Meanwhile, during the event First National Bank (FNB) also pledged their support to SON with an amount of N$250 000 for the third consecutive year.NampaIn return, SON will convey this support from the NFA to all its athletes and supporters with the purpose of enhancing the sport of football.The document was signed by NFA Acting Secretary General, Barry Rukoro, Fifa Special Olympics Africa Project Co-ordinator, Charles Nyambe, and SON Chairperson, Jutta Rohwer.Fifa and SON joined forces in 2006 to promote opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities involved in Special Olympics national programmes in three African countries.Namibia, Tanzania and Botswana were selected as pilot projects for the Fifa Special Olympics Africa Development Project called ‘Football For Hope’.Following the successful conclusion of the Project in 2006, Fifa announced an extension of the project expanding to seven other countries of Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Uganda, South Africa and Rwanda.The development project aims to contribute to the visibility, acceptance and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Africa.On his part, Fifa head of development, Pascal Torres, said Fifa’s main objective is to improve the lives of all people, therefore, partnership is the key.It is in this light that Fifa was busy establishing a department for social responsibility, he said.On behalf of the NFA, Rukoro said they hope for more activities such training sessions, workshops and community events with SON athletes.Rukoro added that with the NFA’s assistance the SON team can be assured of a gold medal at the forthcoming SO World Summer Games in China in November this year.He then applauded former national team player Arnold Subeb, who was appointed as Fifa Project Co-ordinator in Namibia.Also speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Youth, national Service, Sport and Culture, Pohamba Shifeta, commended SON for the exemplary work done.Shifeta conveyed his appreciation to the NFA who have pledged their support again, saying government welcomes such initiatives.Meanwhile, during the event First National Bank (FNB) also pledged their support to SON with an amount of N$250 000 for the third consecutive year.Nampa