Paralympians visit State House

The Namibia Paralympics team on Friday paid a courtesy visit to President Hage Geingob at the State House.The team accompanied by their secretary-general Michael Hamukwaya could not hide their excitement. The visit comes months after Ananias Shikongo and Johannes Nambala scooped gold and silver medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics games. President Geingob told the athletes that the government is looking at ways to reward the winners.He said that he was pleased with what the athletes have accomplished in Brazil. “Finally, our Paralympics stars have been welcomed at the State House of Namibia. “It is indeed an honour to meet his Excellency,” an excited Michael Hamukwaya said. The government is expected to reward the athletes given that it had honoured 2012 Paralympics champion Johanna Benson with a house.Among many of the windfalls she got, the sprinter also had a street named after her in Walvis Bay's Kuisebmond location. The government also awarded a diplomatic passport to the golden girl of Namibia. The government's delay to meet the two Paralympics stars Nambala and Shikongo raised eyebrows from the sports industry.Many felt that Shikongo and Nambala should have been rewarded by the time they came back from Brazil. Shikongo won three medals in the T11, 100 metre (bronze), 200m (gold) and 400m (bronze) at the Rio Paralympics. His compatriot and close friend Johannes Nambala won two silver medals in the T13, 200 and 400m categories. Shikongo who was living in a shack before he went to Rio was given an N$500 000 from Standard Bank to build a house.He also received several donations of money from businesses. Shikongo was also given a car by the House of Joy Ministries.Jesse Jackson Kauraisa

Paralympians visit State House

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Paralympians visit State House

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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