The Outeniqua Wheelchair Problem held in George, South Africa on Saturday noticed Namibian paralympic athlete Gabriel Ngishililwa clinching a well-deserved silver medal within the handcycling race.
His fellow athletes, Lucas Ndahangwapo and Nicco Kharuxab, additionally delivered spectacular performances, ending fifth and sixth within the highly-competitive race.
The occasion, which drew almost 600 para-athletes, noticed individuals from throughout the African continent, together with the host nation South Africa, in addition to Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Botswana competing.
Regardless of coping with private well being challenges, Namibian wheelchair racer Roodly Gowaseb bravely took on the demanding 42.2-kilometre race. “I needed to take part regardless of not feeling nicely as a result of that is what I got here to do,” Gowaseb mentioned.
Within the males’s 42.2 km marathon, South Africa’s Stuart McCreadie triumphed with a dominant victory.
Mitch Dewaldt, from the Namibia Paralympic Committee, mirrored on the challenges confronted by the nation’s athletes, notably these from Oshakati, who didn’t have entry to correct handcycles for his or her coaching. Regardless of these obstacles, their outstanding performances within the race spoke volumes about their dedication and spirit.
“Their achievements are a testomony to their dedication, particularly given the circumstances,” Dewaldt remarked.
He additionally expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who helped make the athletes’ participation doable, with a particular point out to Inclusive Biking for his or her beneficiant donation of handcycles to the Wheel-Means Sports activities Membership.
“Your assist is invaluable in serving to our athletes attain their potential,” Dewaldt mentioned.
He harassed the significance of those partnerships, not only for the athletes, however for the neighborhood as an entire, highlighting how such assist fosters motivation and inspiration.
Dewaldt went on to emphasize that sponsoring sports activities for differently-abled people is excess of an act of kindness; it’s a dedication to inclusivity, empowerment and nationwide delight. “Namibia stands as a beacon of hope, proving that each particular person, no matter bodily limitations, deserves the chance to shine in sports activities.
“By supporting these athletes, organisations are enjoying an important function in breaking limitations, inspiring confidence, and constructing a extra inclusive society,” he continued. -lmupetami@nepc.com.na