Going for gold

Going for goldShikongo, Nambala set for Grand Prix series Despite limited preparation funds, Paralympic duo Ananias Shikongo and Johannes Nambala are in Holland for a training camp, ahead of the 7th World Para Athletics Grand Prix series. Ananias Shikongo and Johannes Nambala have sourced training funds ahead of their much-anticipated participation at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix series, which will take place in Paris, France from 28 to 30 August.

According Namibia Paralympic Committee (NPC) secretary-general Michael Hamukwaya, who also coaches the duo, 13 other para-athletes qualified for the Grand Prix series, but due to limited funds only Shikongo and Nambala could travel to Holland for a training camp, through Shikongo's Sport on the Move Foundation. The foundation was set up by Shikongo to help para-athletes while they prepare for major competitions.

Hamukwaya said they are happy that the two athletes got an opportunity to train in Holland. “It's been tough. We are just trying our best to push the athletes forward, despite the little funds.

“Currently we have a team of 13 who also qualified, but due to the fact that we don't really have a lot of money, we could only send two,” Hamukwaya said.

He said they would also like to have a training camp ahead of the world championships in November, where the 13 other athletes will also compete.

“We have a lot of upcoming youngsters; we really wish we could do more for them and expose them to big competitions.

“In that regard we are waiting and still negotiating with our sponsor, NamPower, as well as government, to offer us funds to be able to have a training camp, so that we can prepare the athletes well. “We want to do all of this so that Namibia is well-represented at the championships,” Hamukwaya added.

He said the athletes who qualified are busy training in their regions, with a few based in Windhoek.

“But we want to make sure we have a training camp before they travel, so that we can see what we can work and improve on,” Hamukwaya said.

Johannes and Nambala will compete in the 100m, 200m and 400m events at the Paris series.

After the Grand Prix, they will then prepare for the World Para-Athletics Championships together with the 13 other local athletes.

The world champs will take place in Dubai from 7 to 15 November.

LIMBA MUPETAMI