Following a hiatus of almost three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the popular National Paralympic Games, which are hosted annually under the auspices of the Namibia Paralympic Committee (NPC), will resume this weekend. 

Top local para-athletes will return to action on Saturday at the Oshakati Independence stadium, where more than 200 athletes are expected to battle it out for top honours in the various categories.

Over 40 officials will accompany the athletes as the much-anticipated games make a comeback to this year’s sporting calendar. The last edition of the games was in 2019.

According to NPC secretary general Michael Hamukwaya, local para-athletes are all happy with the return of the games as it will be another opportunity for them to shake off some dust and showcase their talents.

“We are happy to host this event after almost three years. The athletes have been yearning to have
this event back but the virus made things very difficult for us. However, this weekend we will be in action and people should expect huge competition. We will have sprints from 100m, 200m and 800m, as well as wheelchair racing, long jump and shot put,” said Hamukwaya.

He added that the event will be a perfect foundation towards the build-up to the next Paralympic Games slated for Paris, France in 2024.

“This event is for us to unearth new talents in the regions and also them showcasing what they can offer. Most importantly, is to build a team that will compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in France,” he said.

Hamukwaya also thanked the sponsors who came on board to make the event possible, such as Coca-Cola and the sport ministry for availing transport for the participating athletes.

“I want to thank all these sponsors that have come on board to make the event possible. It shows that there is interest in disability sport. I would like to thank Coca-Cola, Sisa Namandje Foundation and Tate Joe’s Bar in Ongwediva.”