Windhoek
Investec Asset Management Namibia announced that it would support Caitlin Botha, the only competitive junior disabled female swimmer in Namibia, in her bid to compete in the South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled (SASAPD) National Championships in Bloemfontein, South Africa, later this month.
Nineteen-year-old Caitlin has cerebral palsy, which affects her muscle tone and motor skills. She has been competing professionally for three years in Namibia, and with no other junior disabled swimmers in the country, she trains with able-bodied swimmers.
She was nominated for the Disabled Junior Sportswoman of the Year in the MTC Namibian Sports Awards in both 2014 and 2015.
“We are excited to partner with Caitlin. Investing for the future and spotting the winners of tomorrow are at the core of what we do at Investec Asset Management. In Caitlin, we believe we have found a winner – somebody who embodies what can be achieved with dedication, determination and hard work and a role model for young and old. We wish her every success at the SASAPD champs,” said James Hatuikulipi, MD of Investec Asset Management Namibia.
Commenting on the sponsorship, Caitlin’s coach, Adriaan Maritz, said: “With this opportunity provided to us by Investec and with the support of the Namibian Swimming Union, we aim to achieve international recognition for Caitlin Botha, Namibia’s only junior female swimmer with a disability.”
“Participation in this event will enable Caitlin to compete against her peers. We hope to use this event as a platform to empower Caitlin to participate in future international events, to encourage others with disabilities to partake in competitive swimming in Namibia.”