Windhoek, April 2- – From spiritual leaders, artists to business personalities, the We Race Together initiative now boasts 20 corporates that have pledged to the course and last week both McHenry Venaani and Dr Panduleni Itula registering their names for the relay race, come 23 April 2022.
PwC, Bonlife Assurance, NamRA, NORED, Namcor, Appolos Shimakeleni Lawyers and CSS Tactical Solution have recently joined the podium as sponsors to the event, joining the likes of Shoprite, Namib Mills, MTC, Erongo Marine Enterprise, BIPA, Namport, Bank Windhoek, Namibia Airport Company, Kasivibe, Nampower, CRAN, Momentum Metropolitan Namibia and National Youth Council of Namibia.
These corporates answered to the clerical call to embrace the culture of collaborating to address common social concerns. In addition, personalities from different walks of life have also volunteered to amplify the course with their participation. The likes of Robyn Nakaambo, Police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi, Deputy Minister Emma Kantema-Goamas, retired footballers Ricardo Mannetti, Collin Benjamin, Toivo Nuugulu and Limba Mupetami were amongst the 140 personalities announced to grace the track field on the day.
But it was the political heavyweights who sealed the deal when they took on the podium promising to deliver unparliamentary but fit performances on the day.
“We may differ as politicians and Namibians, but sport has proven that it continues to unite us. I’m looking forward to the race and the challenge to be part of this initiative. My competitors are in for a display of fine running,” said IPC President Itula.
His political counterpart Venaani enthused that while he is looking past Itula, he cannot wait for training to commence as he gets ready to display a fine performance. “We need to embrace all efforts that unites us. What unites us all is sport, and this opportunity is one we as countrymen and women cannot let go,” said Venaani.
This week, with a pledge of N$30 000, CSS Tactical Solution owner Amos Shiyuka said although the economy enjoys financial turbulences, corporates ought to grab the opportunity and support the course. “We are all having challenges, but other corporates ought to really be part of this noble course that looks beyond our difference. MTC is like our glue that puts Namibians together and this is an opportunity to really effect change, said Shiyuka.
Under the annual MTC Knockout Project banner, the creative “We Race Together” program is aimed at nation-building and instilling a culture of unity while generating funds for a yet-to-be-announced charity course.
Personality and Police mouthpiece Kauna Shikwambi said; “Come the day of the race, I will be running as fast as I can. It is a noble initiative and what I like most is the fact that we must work together regardless of our difference and professions.”
Thanking corporates that responded to the clerical call, sports deputy minister said; “On top of the fun, there is a huge impact that this initiative will absorb the shocks that the vulnerable have endured through COVID. We are really looking forward toward this event and call on more corporates to support,” said Kantema-Goamas who sent a stern warning to other participants in the relay race.
mrobert@namibiadailynews.info
