RUNDU – The Kavango East regional council has announced a sponsorship worth N$20 000 towards the preparations of sprinters Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, who are both set to compete in next month’s Tokyo Olympics. Mboma and Masilingi, who are both currently preparing in Europe ahead of the Olympics, have produced remarkable performances at continental and international levels as well as breaking and equalling records with relative ease.

The council yesterday announced they have earmarked N$10 000 for each athlete, saying they hope the sponsored funds will go a long way in assisting the athletes prepare well for the global multi-sport games.

“As a region, we are so proud of the achievements of the girls but let’s remember that they are doing it for Namibia and not for the region only. They are flying our flag high,” said Damian Maghambayi, the chairperson of the Kavango East regional council. He also called on the local business community and individuals in all parts of the country to come on board and assist the athletes and Team Namibia financially ahead of the Olympics. Kavango East Governor Bonifatius Wakudumo added the region will continue to lobby for more support from individuals and the business fraternity, saying the region has since appointed a technical committee to spearhead that process. Mboma hails from Shinyungwe village in the Ndiyona constituency, while Masilingi is from Rundu’s Kehemu location.  “Finally, we do not want to forget coach Henk Botha for his dedication to the course. The region is really indebted to you,” Wakudumo noted.