WINDHOEK – The Frank Fredericks Foundation (FFF) yesterday once again reaffirmed its commitment towards striving for a good balance between an athlete’s academic persuasions and sporting career.
The foundation handed over scholarships worth N$59 000 to six talented student athletes as this year’s recipients, to help the students enhance their academic aspirations while also putting emphasis on their sporting careers with the assistance of the scholarships.
As for this year, young golf sensation Gabriel Shikodi got the biggest share of N$20 000, followed by Frankie Katanga and Vi-Ally Basson, both doing community sport, who received N$12 000 each.
Meanwhile, the trio of Jhundre Eiseb (gymnastics), Sune Engelbrecht (shot put and discus) and Ismael Tjiramba (sprinter) received N$5 000 each to help them prosper in their academic and sport journeys.
Speaking at the official handover in the capital yesterday, Namibia’s legendary sprinter and FFF Chairperson, Frank Fredericks, said the foundation is proud to have made a significant contribution to the development of sport and education in the country for the past 16 years.
“As chairperson, I have also emphasized the importance of balancing education with sports. I am, therefore, proud that today we can make a valued investment into young men and women, who are not only talented on the sports field, but who have also resolved to pursue a sound academic career,” said Fredericks.
A highly excited Fredericks added that: “Some of these athletes are pursuing studies in engineering, accounting and science, which is very promising for a growing nation.
“We are glad that we could award Gabriel Shikodi with a scholarship of N$20 000 following the successful fundraising golf day hosted in October last year through the generous sponsorship of anchor sponsor Samsung. We also plan to host another fundraising golf day later this year with the hope of awarding more scholarships to young talented athletes across the country,” said Fredericks.
Katanga and Basson participated in the FFF’s community development initiatives held in the Babilon informal settlement on the outskirts of Windhoek last year. The initiative, which started in 2012 aims at positively transforming communities by using sport as a tool to promote HIV/AIDS education and healthy lifestyles.