Hesron Kapanga

Namibia Deaf Sport Federation (NDSF) president, Abner Sheya, has said exposure to international competition is essential for the growth of deaf sports in Namibia.

In an interview with Nampa on Monday, Sheya said 2025 marks a “historic milestone” for the federation, as Namibia has, for the first time since beginning their attempts in 2017, succeeded in sending athletes to compete at the Deaflympic Games.

“Competing at the Deaflympics has introduced our athletes to advanced technologies such as the light-based starting system (red, orange, green), which they had never used before due to limited funding for training camps or the purchase of specialised equipment,” he said, adding that participation at this level enhances skills, boosts confidence, and plays a crucial role in the national development of deaf sports.

Sheya also said that while the NDSF began preparing for the Deaflympic Games two years ago, their maiden appearance came with significant challenges.

“A lack of experience in the Deaflympic environment, combined with resource constraints, affected the level of readiness the federation had hoped to achieve,” Sheya said.

The NDSF president said due to inadequate funding, the federation was forced to prioritise only the most essential expenses to ensure Namibia could be represented on the world stage.

“We reached out for sponsorships for running shoes and managed to secure second-hand pairs from friends in Germany. Unfortunately, these were not ideal for high-performance competition, and some athletes were uncomfortable using old footwear. Providing proper equipment has been extremely challenging because the necessary resources simply were not available,” he said.

Despite receiving assistance from the Namibian Government, NamPower, the Namibia Sports Commission and MTC, Sheya said the support fell short of the federation’s projected budget and, as a result, several key costs remain outstanding.

“Fifty per cent of the team’s return flight tickets are still unpaid, and we are appealing for additional support to ensure our athletes return home safely,” he added.

Sheya said international competitions like the Deaflympics are vital for promoting equality in sport, saying true inclusion begins with ensuring athletes with disabilities receive the same opportunities and support as their able-bodied counterparts.