Rudolf Gaiseb
The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) returns with its third annual half-marathon at Gross Barmen Resort a few kilometres outside Okahandja on 1 June.
The tournament this year aims to raise funds to provide school shoes for learners in Kavango East and Ohangwena regions.
Among other things, the scenic marathon consists of 5 and 10-kilometre walks, as well as the longer half marathon over 21.1km.
NWR corporate communications manager Nelson Ashipala told New Era Sport the State-owned enterprise has tasked itself to respond to continued requests made by schools in the northern and southern regions of Namibia.
“We have been countlessly receiving requests from schools in the north and south of Namibia, asking for stationery and school shoes assistance. We have seen how much of a problem it has been for the children; therefore, we decided to take up the mandate to use the proceeds from the event to purchase some of the items that these children are lacking. In that way, we decided to buy shoes in these specific regions,” Ashipala said.
Ashipala indicated there is a need to assist children in different parts of the country who are facing more challenges than just going barefoot to school.
He said besides shoes and stationery, other requests have been made, which may include chairs and tables for learners at schools.
“Recognising the need but also being considerate of the costs, NWR only took responsibility for covering the cost of shoes, while the rest of the requests are still pending,” Ashipala added.
However, the heart of this year’s half marathon will not only take meaningful strides to provide shoes for needy learners but also advocate for the conservation of the majestic Namibian lions, which are under threat due to human-wildlife conflicts and famine.
Organisers of the event, which is co-sponsored by Telecom Namibia, Bank Windhoek and Kosmos 94.1, urged the Namibian nation to fully support and participate in the marathon as a collective effort to empower the lives of less fortunate schoolchildren in the northern parts of Namibia.
The sponsors are on board, with the NWR marathon to support its objective, which is to be the lifeline for children standing in the gap, offering hope and opportunities to young individuals, as well as advocate for a conservative relationship between people and wildlife, sustaining lion species for future generations.
According to Ashipala, the telecommunications company Telecom Namibia has invested N$60 000, while Bank Windhoek contributed N$10 000, and Kosmos 94.1 radio station invested N$30 000 in marketing.
The marathon is anticipated to draw a sizable crowd because it has been dubbed “the most scenic marathon”.
Ashipala assured New Era Sport that safety and security would be guaranteed.