Otniel Hembapu
Namibia’s founding president Sam Nujoma on Saturday appointed Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Christine Mboma and fellow Olympics finalist Beatrice Masilingi as goodwill ambassadors of the revered Sam Nujoma Foundation.
Speaking at the official ceremony of their bestowment as goodwill ambassadors held at the coastal town of Walvis Bay over the weekend, Nujoma pointed out that the inspiring deeds of the two sprint sensations brought hope to the country when it was most needed.
Not only did they instil hope and courage in all Namibians, but the statesman said it proved that it is possible to come from nowhere and anywhere, and still go on to conquer the world and achieve your dreams.
“Mboma’s exceptional, outstanding and breathtaking performances following your rapid ascent to Olympic immortality after your speedy run to the podium and winning a well-deserved silver medal during the women’s 200m final race at the Tokyo Olympics this year and your sensational performance and glorious win in the season’s end of the Wanda Diamond League in Zurich, Switzerland saw you became the first Namibian to win the Diamond League trophy and first Namibian female to win an Olympic medal. Masilingi also demonstrated a unique spirit of true sportsmanship by accompanying her countrywoman during the victory lap, as inspired by the Olympic creed that states: ‘The important thing in life is not triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well’,” said Nujoma.
“It is against this background that I, in my capacity as the founder of the Sam Nujoma Foundation, appoint Mboma and Masilingi as goodwill ambassadors of the Sam Nujoma Foundation. This is in recognition of their unwavering spirit of self-reliance and patriotism, which are values that complement the aspirations of the foundation.”
Namibia’s Founding Father also touched on the importance of infrastructural development and building legacy programmes which will encourage and inspire the next generation of top athletes to come through for the country at international level.
“Our local businesses should support sports infrastructure and grassroots programmes through which our unpolished gems can be discovered to allow our country to adequately compete at multi-disciplinary games, and utilise sports as a vehicle to unite the nation. Furthermore, I convey my personal best wishes for good health and many prosperous years to their mentor and coach Henk Botha, for your leadership in guiding our youthful athletes to victory,” added Nujoma.
-ohembapu@nepc.com.na