Athletes hungry for action
Many of the para-athletes are expected to begin 2021 with rejuvenated fire in their bellies and a will to work harder.
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA
WINDHOEK
Namibia Paralympics Committee secretary-general Michael Hamukwaya says para-athletes have shown a new hunger for events in recent weeks.
With the country still on lockdown and large gatherings prohibited due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of the para-athletes have been unable to enjoy competitions.
Hamukwaya, who stresses the importance of not only relying on international events, says he expects the athletes to be fired up for 2021.
Big preparations needed
“The fact that the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief Freddy Mwiya spoke about how busy next year will be for sport, I believe that most of our guys are really raring to go.
“It has been a difficult year for each and every individual and we are all really hoping for a better 2021.
“Like I said last month that most of these guys relied on international competitions for participation, this year has been totally different given the travelling restrictions,” Hamukwaya said.
The secretary-general, who also serves as a Paralympics coach, added that it will be important that all the athletes will be mentally prepared for a tough competitive year.
Not much motivation needed
He feels that most of the athletes will not really need motivation given that this year has already taught many how to value sport.
“What we have learned from this year is that we must never take the opportunities we have for granted because they can be taken away from us in the blink of an eye.
“That is why I believe that many of these athletes will make use of their next opportunities as if it was their last,” Hamukwaya said.
WINDHOEK
Namibia Paralympics Committee secretary-general Michael Hamukwaya says para-athletes have shown a new hunger for events in recent weeks.
With the country still on lockdown and large gatherings prohibited due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of the para-athletes have been unable to enjoy competitions.
Hamukwaya, who stresses the importance of not only relying on international events, says he expects the athletes to be fired up for 2021.
Big preparations needed
“The fact that the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) chief Freddy Mwiya spoke about how busy next year will be for sport, I believe that most of our guys are really raring to go.
“It has been a difficult year for each and every individual and we are all really hoping for a better 2021.
“Like I said last month that most of these guys relied on international competitions for participation, this year has been totally different given the travelling restrictions,” Hamukwaya said.
The secretary-general, who also serves as a Paralympics coach, added that it will be important that all the athletes will be mentally prepared for a tough competitive year.
Not much motivation needed
He feels that most of the athletes will not really need motivation given that this year has already taught many how to value sport.
“What we have learned from this year is that we must never take the opportunities we have for granted because they can be taken away from us in the blink of an eye.
“That is why I believe that many of these athletes will make use of their next opportunities as if it was their last,” Hamukwaya said.
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