President of the Namibia Paralympic Committee Johannes Liswani said that plans are well underway for the highly anticipated Namibia National Championship.

The event will take place from 24 to 26 January in the Oshana region. 

This marks the first major event of the year for para-athletes in the country. 

Liswani is eager to see it unfold as a platform for competition and preparation.

He revealed that the committee has already submitted a proposal to NamPower, the event’s main sponsor, requesting financial support. 

This funding will be used to cover essential costs, such as food and accommodation, for athletes travelling from all 14 regions of Namibia to the championship. 

The event will feature a range of sport activities, including athletics, powerlifting, boccia and archery, among other disciplines.

It will provide a vital opportunity for para-athletes to showcase their skills.

Additionally, the committee has approached the sport ministry for assistance in arranging transportation for the athletes.

This is to ensure that competitors can attend the event without logistical challenges. 

Liswani noted that the National Championship is not just a stand-alone event but a critical preparatory competition for the South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled National Championships set to take place in March. 

 “From the national competition, athletes will be in a comfortable position to select a team for the South African event. This is where new Namibian para-athletes will also be classified,” he said.

Looking beyond national competitions, Liswani highlighted the upcoming Dubai World Para Athletics Grand Prix.

 While they are hopeful of receiving funds from their sponsors to send athletes, the committee is still waiting for the necessary financial support. 

Due to budget constraints, it is likely that only elite athletes, such as Ananias Shikongo and Johannes Nampala, will be selected to represent Namibia in the United Arab Emirates.

Liswani said without the required funding, sending athletes to the Grand Prix may not be possible. 

However, there is a possibility that leftover funds from the organisers of last year’s Paris Paralympic Games could be used to assist athletes. 

“The money is for transport for last year’s Games, but they only gave us half. There is still some outstanding money,” he revealed. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na