Paralympians: We are equal

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISANamibian athletes with disabilities have vowed to support their fellow countrymen and women who are in action at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.Many of the athletes have overcome their darkest fears and tribulations and are considered warriors when it comes to the Paralympic Games.They are however still human and need the support and trust of their countries when competing on the world stage.Many of those who did not make it to the Paralympics feel they can motivate and encourage Namibia’s tried and tested sons and daughters to thrive in a foreign land. The athletes also encourage Namibians to support and cheer for those in action, just as they did with the just-ended Olympic Games where Namibia had eleven representatives. Team Namibia consists of athletes Ananias Shikongo (T11) and Johannes Nambala (T13), who compete in the 100 metres and 400 metres. They are joined by T11 athlete Lahja Ishitile, who runs the 200 metres and 400 metres and also competes in the long jump.Namibia’s 2015 Disabled Sportsman of the Year, powerlifter Ruben Soroseb, hopes the country makes an effort to stand behind its representatives at the Games. “It is important that these athletes get the same amount of support as the athletes at the Olympics got.“These athletes also want to feel loved and desired as it can actually help them do better at the Games,” Soroseb said. “They must not stop believing in themselves and should remember that they have worked to be there.”Sprinter Martin Aloysius believes these athletes’ drive and determination is what makes the Games special.“This is a very special moment for us who did not even make it to the Games because we are at least being represented by our colleagues.“As a country, it is important to support these athletes and to make them feel like are indeed seen as equal in society.“I wish the guys all the luck and hope that they can bring a medal or medals back home,” Aloysius said.The Games began on 24 August and will end on 5 September, featuring 539 events across 22 sport codes hosted at 21 venues.

Paralympians: We are equal

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-05-20

Please login to leave a comment

Paralympians: We are equal

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-05-20

Please login to leave a comment

Login