Namibians unite to help young athletes

Last Wednesday, Namibians opened their hearts and minds to help young and talented Namibian athletes in need.

This comes after the coach of young athlete Nestory Shilamba, Edward Kapewasha, made a friendly request to the people of Namibia to donate running shoes to Shilamba, who was scheduled to compete in the International Schools Sports Federation World Cross Country Championships in Kenya over the weekend.

The Network Media Hub (NMH) shared the appeal on social media platforms, which immediately attracted widespread response. In addition, Kapewasha learned that another athlete from the Omaheke area, Johannes Jeremiah, was also in urgent need of running shoes. Soon, both athletes received brand new running shoes and other accessories, all thanks to the generosity of kind-hearted people.

Goodwill with real impact

Shortly before the group left Windhoek, Hiramba thanked Namibians for their kindness. “I didn’t expect this because we left this morning (Thursday) and were already in Windhoek,” he said.

“People don’t know me, but they give me so much,” he added.

“He has received tremendous support from kind people who have generously offered their helping hands. We are heading to Kenya with our heads held high and our spirits high,” Kapewasha said.

He wrote on social media: “I am grateful for the support my athletes have received. He was almost running barefoot. Thank you to all the kind people in Namibia who came to his rescue. A total of four athletes were helped in the process.”

Supporting young talents

He stressed that Hiramba is one of Namibia’s emerging talents.

“He started last year. He usually competes in local tournaments. The one in February when he qualified for Kenya was his first big tournament. Kenya will now be his second big tournament,” Kapewasha explained.

He said he and athletes competing in international competitions were grateful for the support of the sports ministry, which provided flights, meals, accommodation and sportswear, but he said young athletes in particular often lacked equipment such as running shoes.

“The ministry works very hard and we are very grateful for their efforts. The economic situation has also put pressure on them,” he said.

The athletes are competing in the championships, which will run until May 14.

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