Ishitile lauded for excellence in disability sports

Paralympic sports sensation and recent winner of the Regional Annual Sports Awards (Rasa), Lahja Ishitile, has been lauded for her efforts and excellence in her discipline.

Namibia Paralympic Committee (NPC) secretary general Michael Hamukwaya told Desert Radio recently that Ishitile has put disability sports on the map and continues to be a shining beacon for those who aspire to grow.

“I must thank Ishitile for the great work she put in her career and more importantly, I must thank those behind the success of our athlete,” Hamukwaya said.

“We are in the competition world and do not just go to events for purposes of participating, but truly to compete for top honours.” Hamukwaya said Ishitile’s exploits have demonstrated that there is potential for the growth of disability sport in the country.

Hamukwaya also paid tribute to Commonwealth bronze medalist Ananias Shikongo, who also made the Rasa nominee list.

“It’s not only disability sport that has won, but the country.
I must thank the government, through the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, for the funding made available to the team early this year for their stay in Europe.

Meanwhile, Hamukwaya said the world championships that kicked off early this month will feature 10 athletes – who kicked off their preparation in South Africa earlier this year, and went on to compete in Europe.He said the world championship is a major event that will serve as qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“Unlike at the last Paralympic Games, Namibia is looking at a reasonable representation at the Paris 2024 Games.”
He said Namibia is competing in athletics only but will compete in more then two sport codes at the upcoming All Africa Paralympic Games later this year.

“That is an exciting development and demonstrates the development of the sport, and that at the All Africa Games it is important to clinch the two top positions as that serves as automatic qualification for the 2024 Paralympic Games.

He said the government’s role and that of NamPower, through Disability Sports Namibia, must be lauded and appreciated.