Create parameters of inclusivity

LIMBA MUPETAMI

WINDHOEK

Being an Olympic medallist takes a lot of work and effort. Being a Paralympic medallist is even harder.

I must congratulate Team Namibia - which consisted of Johannes Nambala, who bagged a bronze medal in the 400m; Ananias Shikongo, who scooped silver in the 100m; and Lahja Ishitile - for the effort and hard work they injected into the Tokyo Paralympic Games. Only three athletes represented Namibia at the Games, along with three guides, namely Sem Shimanda, Even Tjiviju and Sydney Kamuaruuma, who worked equally hard.

For years this very team has been overlooked when it comes to financial support; they have really never received the support they needed. NamPower does its part, but more can be done to help these athletes to prepare and execute their task.

Money should not only come in for flight tickets and accommodation. To become an A-grade athlete, a lot happens behind the scenes. Nutrition, the right attire, physiotherapy – a lot.

Corporates are sitting on gold mines. MTC cannot be the only entity with money. MTC cannot be the only company fighting to better lives of Namibian athletes.

I must send a special shout-out to Ishitile – the only woman who represented the country at the Games. She didn’t win any silverware, but she won the hearts of many Namibians. With every competition, her confidence grows, as does her experience. Soon she will be standing on the podium, collecting medals for Namibia.

Also, I want to applaud the entire team. Working with Para athletes requires patience and time. They need an extra push on days they feel like not competing. I’m thankful for the effort they put in and the attention they are giving our Para athletes.

Now, I think the path has been paved by the likes of Johanna Benson, Ananias Shikongo and Johannes Nambala – the onus is now on parents to wake up and get their children into sports. Disability is not inability. Everyone can contribute in their own way to community development. We have seen this with Benson. The first Paralympic gold medallist in Namibia's history – the rewards from her wins are proof enough that Para athletes cannot be shunned, locked up or told that they are not good enough.

They are good enough. Good enough that the homelands rejoice in their achievements.

We have seen how Benson and Shikongo received houses. Benson from the Namibian government and Shikongo from Standard Bank after media reports exposed the shack in which this great athlete lived. Today, they have places to call home.

They joy most certainly moved the nation – remember the joy when the house was handed over to Benson, remember how involved Standard Bank was with Shikongo’s house construction

This could be your child. They too can don the colours of Namibia. Give them something to be proud of.

Also, to schools – stop giving disabled people ‘special’ positions like team manager, or token gestures like two minutes of playing time during games. Allow them to play if they can. Disability does not make them any less of an athlete and it does not lessen their desire, drive, or need for physical activity in sport.

This lacklustre effort at inclusivity should stop. Create parameters to allow everyone to participate.

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