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Home / Shikongo gets half a million to build a house... DSN recognises all its athletes
Shikongo gets half a million to build a house... DSN recognises all its athletes
2016-11-07Staff Report 2 Windhoek - Namibia’s 2016 Paralympic hero Ananias ‘Trouble Maker’ Shikongo stole the limelight at the Disability Sport Namibia (DSN) annual Recognition Awards Gala Dinner at the Country Club on Thursday night. With its foundations firmly built on the principles of equal opportunity and recognising excellence, DSN on Thursday recognised and celebrated the country’s Para-athletes at its 6th Recognition Awards Gala Dinner. Among the many special moments on the night, the main highlight of the evening was when financial giant Standard Bank Namibia donated a whopping N$500 000 to Shikongo to assist him to build a decent house for himself and his family, as they currently live in a shack on the fringes of Windhoek. At this year’s Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the lionhearted Namibian sprinter dominated international headlines when he scooped a gold medal in the men’s 200m T11 and two bronze medals in the 100m T11 race – in the process helping Namibia record her highest medal tally (five) at any Paralympic Games. Johannes Nambala won the other two medals (two silver). To cap off a fantastic year in befitting style, Shikongo was also recently crowned the country’s 2016 Sport Achiever of the Year and also clinched the prestigious Sportsman of the Year with Disability award at this year’s annual sport awards in Windhoek a week ago After receiving the N$500 000 donation from Standard Bank Namibia, Shikongo said: “At the moment I’m really speechless and humbled by this kind gesture. I would wholeheartedly like to thank all Namibians for their endless and unwavering support throughout the years and to Standard Bank Namibia – I cannot thank you enough but God will bless you for what you did today.” He continued: “For me, this is a clear indication and equally a clarion call for me to work even harder at all levels and continue to make my country proud. Since my plan is to retire in 2020, for now I will give it my all and make sure Namibia remains among the best on the international arena. But overall, I’m really humbled by Standard Bank’s kindness. I promise to make them proud.” The glamorous and well-attended ceremony was also graced by the presence of Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service Agnes Tjongarero and various sponsors, led by Nampower and MVA Fund, as well as new partners Standard Bank Namibia. In total, DSN rewarded 25 athletes and eight coaches for their achievements and overall dedication towards the betterment of disability sport in Namibia over the past year. Among the many stars recognised on the night, top performers Ananias Shikongo, Johanna Benson and Lahja Ishitile led the pack of awardees. - This story originally appeared in the New Era Weekend newspaper. 2016-11-07Staff Report 2
