Top swimming club Infinity Aquatic Centre have teamed up with a German-based para-swimming club to unearth untapped local talent and train people with disabilities, including the visually-impaired.

This collaboration is part of the enable Para swimming in Namibia and Africa (eNpas) Project, a ground breaking initiative designed to empower, educate and uplift individuals with disabilities through the transformative power of sport.

Founder and owner of Infinity Aquatic Centre, Diego Kahlari said the programme doesn’t only aim to develop para-swimming, but actively scout for potential champions where few have looked before.

“I believe there is enormous talent within our communities, and it’s still raw and untapped, even in the most remote areas. It’s just that opportunities are not taken to those areas. 

This initiative is about breaking barriers and creating spaces where everyone, regardless of ability, can dream, compete and succeed,” said Kahlari.

The programme will officially kick off in Windhoek later this month, with plans to host talent identification clinics at special needs’ schools, rehabilitation centres and community pools. From there, it will expand to towns such as Rundu, Walvis Bay and Ongwediva in a bid to discover and nurture future para-athletes.

The German connection brings with it elite expertise, with Paralympic champion Elena Krawzow and German para-swimming coach Phillip Semechin set to work with Namibian coaches, ensuring athletes and trainers receive world-class guidance.

Kahlari said, Namibia’s potentially large pool of undiscovered talent and the country’s willingness to embrace disability inclusion made it the perfect starting point. 

“Our German partners will provide equipment and necessary tools to carry out these training programmes effectively and with little hiccups. I am very grateful for what they have done,” he said. “Para-athletes in Namibia have thrived in the past 10 to 15 years, and we have seen them score big at major events such as the Paralympics World Championships, and other international events. This was already a testimony in itself for us to start the programme.” 

Elena Krawzow, the German para-swimmer who has won several accolades at the Paralympic Games and will facilitate the programme, said she is excited to be part of the initiative.

“My disability is visual impairment, and with our expertise in the game spanning more than 15 years, we can contribute to the growth of para-swimming in the country. I am excited for this opportunity, and looking forward to meeting you,” she said.

Meanwhile, Phillip Semechin, who has been involved in para-swimming for more than two decades, urged Namibians to join the programme. 

“I have been in para-swimming for more than 20 years, and my athletes have won more than
30 medals at major swimming events. 

With my experience, I hope to help you guys translate into professional swimmers,” he added. 

mkambukwe@nepc.com.na