Athletes acknowledged for hard work

Athletes acknowledged for hard workNSC applauds sport federations The Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) recognised three sport federations for doing exceptionally well in competitions last month. The Namibia Rugby Union (NRU), Namibia Football Association and the Namibia Paralympic Committee (NPC) have been recognised by the Namibia Sport Commission for their performances in July.

The federations were represented by Rodger Thompson (Rugby Union), Barry Rukoro (NFA), and Michael Hamukwaya (NPC).

The Welwitschias won the RA gold Cup by beating Kenya 45-7. The team has walked away with the cup for the last five years.

The Brave Warriors, led by coach Ricardo Mannetti, defeated Zimbabwe in the second round of the African Nations Championship to move one step closer to their first appearance at the finals.

The team will face Comoros on 13 August.

Para-athletes managed to bring home three silver medals from the 2017 World Para-Athletics Championships.

These achievements prompted NSC chief administrator Freddy Mwiya to invite them to a recognition ceremony. Mwiya said although the NSC was unable to reward them with money, their efforts were noted.

“Every sport code which performs well will be invited, acknowledged, applauded by the biggest sporting governing body in the country.

“We appreciate the efforts made by the athletes and their coaches for the country. I know many sport codes are faced with financial constraints, hence the small budget we give them to carry out their duties.

“I'm grateful for the rugby team for taking the little we give them and seeking more funds from the corporates. We are grateful for your hard work and commitment,” he said.

The director of disability sports in the Ministry of Sport, Jo-Anne Manuel, said sport is a unifier of countries and can also be used to fight unemployment. She said many young people in Namibia could be uplifted though engagement in sport.

“With the NDP5 we are calling for the professionalising of sport and this can only be achieved if corporates join us to develop young people,” she said.

She encouraged the Brave Warriors to fight for a win against the Comoros in honour of the memory of the late Robbie Savage. Savage was a diehard supporter of the national football team. Barry Rukoro said he would like people to look at sport in Namibia with a different eye and to open their hearts and pockets to support local athletes.

He further said that he was impressed with the way the rugby team and the football team supported each other when they both faced tough competition. “I hope that spirit can continue always,” he said.

LIMBA MUPETAMI