Northern-based athletics coach Edward Kapewasha, currently mentoring budding sprint talent Epifania Johannes, says the N$24 778 sponsorship handed over by Kalahari Holdings to Johannes will serve as the perfect tonic ahead of this weekend’s inaugural U/15 World School Sports Games in Belgrade, Serbia.

Kalahari Holdings yesterday officially handed over the sponsorship to 14-year-old Johannes, who is set to represent the country at the Games that start this Saturday until 19 September.

Johannes is part of the 11 track and field athletes. The team also includes six chess players.

Speaking on behalf of Johannes, Kapewasha said the sponsorship came at the right time, as the teen athlete is preparing to compete in one of her biggest competitions.

He added the funds will go a long way in assisting them to meet their targets of winning accolades nationally and internationally.

“We are really excited. After we launched a fundraising campaign, many individuals and entities came on board and we got massive support. We are happy that the support is enabling us to properly prepare ahead of this big competition – and hopefully, it will help us achieve our goal of winning a medal. We really appreciate all the support,” he said.

Speaking at yesterday’s handover ceremony, Kalahari Holdings acting CEO Etuna Nashima said it is of high importance to support sports activities at all levels.

“We at Kalahari Holding believe it is not only the responsibility of the government to fund sports activities but it is every Namibian’s responsibility, especially corporates, to support the government during these difficult times of Covid-19. It is against this background that Kalahari Holdings allocates a budget every year to plough back into our communities,” said Nashima.

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na