Namibia’s leading kickboxer and one of the country’s foremost young sports stars, Delano Muller, recently hosted a motivational seminar on self-defence techniques at Otjiwarongo.

The seminar to empower the town’s youth took place at Peri Naua Cultural Centre in the Orwetoweni location. Peri Naua Cultural Centre offers a library and kindergarten classes free to underprivileged children in Otjiwarongo.

The centre also offers writing and speaking classes, dance as well as papier-mâché classes. Papier-mâché is the making of objects from newspapers.

“We held the event to support Peri Naua Cultural Centre as they mostly depend on sponsorship, and I decided to assist and give my support.  The centre struggles financially, and I asked the community of Otjiwarongo to get involved and see how we can assist,” said Muller.

The young kickboxer added that it was important to get the town’s youth involved, and to also create awareness around the centre’s programmes and activities. 

The seminar was held under the theme ‘Making sports accessible to everyone together’, and attracted a good number of participants, who all came to share their life stories and experiences.

“The initiative aims to call on Namibians to donate new and old sports equipment, accessories, trophies, clothes and shoes, which will be utilised to help empower the youth who do not have the means to realise their potential in sport,” added Muller, who also donated stationary, food and wheelchairs to the needy.

Muller told the attendees at the seminar: “You are amazing for facing your difficult circumstances with so much courage and hope”.

Kickboxer Lesley Hoaeb, owner of Namibia Martial Arts Academy at Walvis Bay, assisted at the motivational seminar, where he also shared self-defence tactics alongside Muller.

Peri Naua Cultural Centre project manager, Monique Escurat said it is important to host events of that nature at the centre, as children will know how to defend themselves in difficult situations.