Rudolf Gaiseb
The secretary general of the Namibia Paralympic Committee (NPC), Michael Hamukwaya, has voiced concerns about the ongoing marginalisation of para-athletes, even 34 years after independence.
He told New Era Sport that the challenges faced by sports federations in adapting to accommodate para-athletes include funding constraints, and a lack of clarity in Namibia’s constitution regarding para-sports.
Despite some efforts by sports federations to promote inclusivity for people with disabilities, Hamukwaya stressed the need for greater diversity and inclusion in para-sports.
He noted the role of the International Olympic Committee in advocating for para-athletes globally, but urged local federations to remove discriminatory barriers, and provide equal opportunities for athletes with and without disabilities.
He emphasised the importance of integrating sports for people with disabilities at the school level through the Namibia Schools Sport Union, thereby ensuring early access to sporting opportunities. This leads to para-athletes only encountering opportunities in adulthood, making training more difficult. Local Paralympian Ananias Shikongo applauded the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Services for its financial support of para-sports, but expressed dismay at the community’s attitudes towards people with disabilities in sports. Shikongo shared anecdotes of visually-impaired athletes facing challenges during races due to volunteers’ lack of understanding of para-sports dynamics.
He explained that athletes are supposed to run in two lanes to avoid bumping against one another, but are forced to run in a single lane by volunteers who refuse to understand the sport. “These athletes end up pushing each other out of line, and are sometimes disqualified. It is a sad story for upcoming para-athletes who are unfamiliar with trainers, equipment or settings,” he stressed.
To address these issues, Shikongo proposed the appointment of para-sports representatives across all 14 regions, emphasising the importance of creating a supportive environment for para-athletes to thrive and excel.
He suggested that the ministry of sport allocate para-sports representatives across all 14 regions – those who understand how to deal with para-athletes – so that they do not only create a healthy sporting environment, but improve performances as well.
Shikongo is one of the three para-athletes who qualified for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which will take place from 28 August to 08 September 2024.
Para-athletes Lahja Ishitile and Johannes Nambala will be the others participating in this year’s Paralympics, while more are still trying to qualify.