PDM blasts sports ministry
Limba Mupetami
WINDHOEK
The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), through a statement, expressed their dissatisfaction with the sports ministry’s underinvestment in Namibian sports.
The official opposition party said it is dismayed that the ministry has not afforded athletes Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi the adequate recognition due to them and added that this grossly undermines sport talent.
“This is manifested in the systemic collapse of the entire sporting fraternity in Namibia. The PDM is concerned about this persistent undermining of athletes in the country, and implores all stakeholders to invest adequate resources in athletes; in particular those performing at a higher level,” the statement read.
Mboma and Masilingi performed exceptionally well at the recently held Josef Odlozi Memorial event in Prague, Czech Republic.
Mboma set a new meet record of 22:67 seconds in the 200m event, while Masilingi came in third in the same event with an impressive time of 22:82 seconds.
Future of Namibian sport
“These two young Namibian athletes have taken the local and international athletics scene by storm, and have demonstrated that they are the future of Namibian and international athletics.
“On 11 April, Mboma and Masilingi also set a new world leading time by clocking in at 49.24 seconds and 49.53 seconds respectively in the 400m race at the All Comers Meet event held in Lusaka, Zambia. Both athletes have also qualified for the July 2021 Tokyo Olympics, an incredible feat that must be commended.
PDM further congratulated coach Henk Botha “who has consistently ensured that the two young women athletes remain physically and mentally fit in order to compete for the country in the manner that they do”.
The party encouraged all Namibians to rally behind and support the athletes. “Their success is our success, and Namibians should be proud that once again the nation has produced athletic greats.”
Asked what their contribution towards these athletes will be, PDM responded that “there is no determination in that respect at the moment”.
WINDHOEK
The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), through a statement, expressed their dissatisfaction with the sports ministry’s underinvestment in Namibian sports.
The official opposition party said it is dismayed that the ministry has not afforded athletes Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi the adequate recognition due to them and added that this grossly undermines sport talent.
“This is manifested in the systemic collapse of the entire sporting fraternity in Namibia. The PDM is concerned about this persistent undermining of athletes in the country, and implores all stakeholders to invest adequate resources in athletes; in particular those performing at a higher level,” the statement read.
Mboma and Masilingi performed exceptionally well at the recently held Josef Odlozi Memorial event in Prague, Czech Republic.
Mboma set a new meet record of 22:67 seconds in the 200m event, while Masilingi came in third in the same event with an impressive time of 22:82 seconds.
Future of Namibian sport
“These two young Namibian athletes have taken the local and international athletics scene by storm, and have demonstrated that they are the future of Namibian and international athletics.
“On 11 April, Mboma and Masilingi also set a new world leading time by clocking in at 49.24 seconds and 49.53 seconds respectively in the 400m race at the All Comers Meet event held in Lusaka, Zambia. Both athletes have also qualified for the July 2021 Tokyo Olympics, an incredible feat that must be commended.
PDM further congratulated coach Henk Botha “who has consistently ensured that the two young women athletes remain physically and mentally fit in order to compete for the country in the manner that they do”.
The party encouraged all Namibians to rally behind and support the athletes. “Their success is our success, and Namibians should be proud that once again the nation has produced athletic greats.”
Asked what their contribution towards these athletes will be, PDM responded that “there is no determination in that respect at the moment”.
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