Namibians unite to help young athletes
Appeal for athletic wear prompts big-hearted response
Namibians rallied to support young athletes in need ahead of international competition.
Last Wednesday, Namibians opened their hearts to help talented young Namibian athletes in need.
This came after young athlete Nestory Shilamba's coach, Edward Kapewasha, issued a friendly request to Namibians to donate running shoes to Shilamba, who was scheduled to participate in the International School Sports Federation's World Cross-Country Championships in Kenya over the weekend.
Network Media Hub (NMH) shared the appeal on social media platforms, prompting an immediate and widespread response. Additionally, Kapewasha learned that another athlete, Johannes Jeremia from the Omaheke Region, also urgently required running shoes. Soon, both athletes received brand-new running shoes and other accessories, all thanks to the generosity of good Samaritans.
Kindness with a real impact
Shortly before the group’s departure from Windhoek, Shilamba thanked Namibians for their kindness. "I did not expect this because we left this morning [Thursday] and were already in Windhoek," he said.
"People don't know me, but they've given me a lot of things," he added.
"He received incredible support from kind-hearted people who showed generosity by lending a helping hand. We leave for Kenya with our heads held high and motivated," Kapewasha said.
On social media, he wrote: "I appreciate the support my athletes have received. He was on the verge of running barefoot. Thanks to all the good Samaritans in Namibia who came to his rescue. A total of four athletes were helped in the process."
Supporting young talent
He highlighted that Shilamba is one of Namibia's emerging talents.
"He started last year. He usually participates in local competitions. The event where he qualified to go to Kenya in February was his first major competition. Kenya will now be his second major event," Kapewasha explained.
He said he and the athletes who compete internationally are also grateful for the support of the sports ministry, which provided flights, meals, accommodation and tracksuits, but said that there is often a lack of equipment, such as running shoes, especially among junior athletes.
"The ministry works hard, and we are very grateful to them for what they do. The economic conditions also put pressure on them," he said.
The athletes are participating in the championships, which will continue until 14 May.
– [email protected]
This came after young athlete Nestory Shilamba's coach, Edward Kapewasha, issued a friendly request to Namibians to donate running shoes to Shilamba, who was scheduled to participate in the International School Sports Federation's World Cross-Country Championships in Kenya over the weekend.
Network Media Hub (NMH) shared the appeal on social media platforms, prompting an immediate and widespread response. Additionally, Kapewasha learned that another athlete, Johannes Jeremia from the Omaheke Region, also urgently required running shoes. Soon, both athletes received brand-new running shoes and other accessories, all thanks to the generosity of good Samaritans.
Kindness with a real impact
Shortly before the group’s departure from Windhoek, Shilamba thanked Namibians for their kindness. "I did not expect this because we left this morning [Thursday] and were already in Windhoek," he said.
"People don't know me, but they've given me a lot of things," he added.
"He received incredible support from kind-hearted people who showed generosity by lending a helping hand. We leave for Kenya with our heads held high and motivated," Kapewasha said.
On social media, he wrote: "I appreciate the support my athletes have received. He was on the verge of running barefoot. Thanks to all the good Samaritans in Namibia who came to his rescue. A total of four athletes were helped in the process."
Supporting young talent
He highlighted that Shilamba is one of Namibia's emerging talents.
"He started last year. He usually participates in local competitions. The event where he qualified to go to Kenya in February was his first major competition. Kenya will now be his second major event," Kapewasha explained.
He said he and the athletes who compete internationally are also grateful for the support of the sports ministry, which provided flights, meals, accommodation and tracksuits, but said that there is often a lack of equipment, such as running shoes, especially among junior athletes.
"The ministry works hard, and we are very grateful to them for what they do. The economic conditions also put pressure on them," he said.
The athletes are participating in the championships, which will continue until 14 May.
– [email protected]
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