Namibia Para athletes receive crucial funds ahead of London 2017

Namibia’s team for the World Para Athletics Championships has received crucial funding for the competition thanks to a new sponsorship agreement.

The First National Bank (FNB) Namibia, through the FNB Namibia Holdings Foundation Trust, has invested EUR 14,416 in the Namibia National Paralympic Committee (NNPC) to support the development of Para sports across the African country.

The athletes competing at London 2017, which gets underway on Friday (14 July), are among those to directly benefit from the investment.

Revonia Kahivere, Manager Corporate Social Investment at FNB Namibia, said “The FNB sponsorship underscores our commitment to the success of the Namibian Paralympic team, along with our broader commitment to Namibia.

“We have seen through the years how the Namibian Paralympic team has brought home medals - inspiring me as an individual because I see the outstanding capacity the Games have to transform communities, countries and continents.

“These Paralympians have the power to switch our focus from perceived limitations, to a world full of possibility and endless opportunity. They will surprise you, inspire and excite you, but most of all they will change you.

“Ananias Shikongo, Johannes Nambala and Lahja Ishitile, you are role models for what the world wants to see in today’s sporting heroes. You see obstacles as opportunities, you fight for your rights, and in London you will have a unique opportunity to make a more equitable world. Your values tell people what you stand for and most importantly who you are.

With the eyes of the world upon you, I ask you to send a message to the world through sport. Through your performances tell your story, a story of inclusion, a tale of empowerment that hope will always conquer fear.”

NNPC Secretary General Michael Hamukwaya added: “(FNB) For all your efforts to keep Namibia on the map in the World of Sport, we thank you. We hope and trust that we will build a strong relationship with FNB, and would like to thank you for following our achievements and for realising that your support is a worthy investing in the country and sport in general.”