By Otniel Hembapu
WINDHOEK – After having recently elected its first ever lady president in the shape of the ambitious and energetic Alna Similo, Athletics Namibia (AN) yesterday received yet another massive boost when longtime partner Bank Windhoek reaffirmed its commitment to athletics development with a timely sponsorship of N$300 000.
Speaking at the sponsorship handover ceremony, Similo couldn’t heap enough praise on Bank Windhoek, saying since the bank is the federation’s only financial backer, AN is very thankful to have a partner who believes in athletics and has influence in terms of reaching and empowering the masses in all corners of the country. The sponsorship between AN and Bank Windhoek is renewed annually.
Faced with the challenge of formulating athletics into a more formidable sports brand, Similo said she was ready to prove all doubters wrong as she plans on giving Namibian athletics a major facelift and a more professional approach in terms of proper administration.
“Athletics Namibia has recorded several achievements in the 2012/2013 season, most notably the qualification and participation of Namibian athletes at international events, such as the 2012 London Olympics and the 2013 IAAF World Athletics Championship in Moscow.
Athletics is a very expensive sport and sponsorship is what keeps us going, while the support also allows our athletes to receive professional training and guidance to be able to compete at various international levels.
“Bank Windhoek is one of our long standing partners and we are grateful that they continue to believe in us in our quest to take this sport to greater heights,” said Similo.
“Bank Windhoek has been a proud supporter of Athletics Namibia for a number of years, in their effort to develop and promote athletics in the country, especially at grassroots level and to create opportunities for Namibian athletes to participate at national, regional and international level. Bank Windhoek is confident that Athletics Namibia, under the new leadership of Alna Similo, will continue to develop athletics and deliver results for the benefit of the athletes,” said Marlize Horn, Bank Windhoek’s Marketing and Corporate Communication Officer.