Para-athletes neglected

Disability Sports Namibia (DSN) - the umbrella body of Special Olympics Namibia (SON), the Namibian Deaf Sports Federation (NDSF) and the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) - says they need financial assistance in order to prepare well for events and reach more athletes in the country.NPC secretary-general Michael Hamukwaya said DSN wants to ensure that all people with disabilities in Namibia have opportunities to participate in sporting activities through their respective sport organisations, and improve their physical fitness and skills, enabling them to achieve their potential. Hamukwaya, who was speaking at an informative breakfast meeting yesterday in Windhoek, added they envision an inclusive Namibia, where all people have equal opportunities in terms of sport, education and human rights. However, they are faced with financial difficulties whenever athletes need to compete. Hamukwaya touched on issues of transport inaccessibility, no access to sport facilities and the unequal distribution of funds ahead of competitions, thus disabling their preparations for events.He added they struggle to get volunteers and normally have no equipment for training.This is despite the fact that the organisation has produced the likes of Paralympic gold medallist Johanna Benson, Johannes Nambala and Ananias Shikongo, and is still busy grooming the likes of Commonwealth medallist Lahja Ishitile, amongst others.Deputy director of disability in the ministry of sports, Jo-Ann Manuel, said they are trying to lift the organisation but need financial support. “The challenge is money. We brought in a Cuban coach with the obligation that by the time her term is over she can identify someone that can take over. We are doing our best with the little provided, but people need to realise that people are making money through sports.”“Many athletes need to be classified. We need people to assist. Where are the Namibian doctors? We cannot have Hamukwaya as coach and also doing the job of classifying and so forth. They can't do everything just because they are passionate, they need help.”Manuel said the government cannot do everything. “Where are the people receiving tenders?” Para-athlete Shikongo also raised concerns regarding their preparations for the upcoming world championships as well as the All-Africa Games. “Money is always available when the football and rugby teams are travelling for competitions, but there is never money when we have to prepare for competitions, but we return with money.“We also want to know when the reward policy will take effect, so that we know what we are fighting for in terms of the Tokyo 2020 Games,” said Shikongo.LIMBA MUPETAMI

Para-athletes neglected

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-12

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Para-athletes neglected

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-12

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