Commonwealth Games athletes receive hero’s welcome

Robert Maseka

WINDHOEK, 18. APR. – Team Namibia, which represented the country at the recent Commonwealth games in Brisbane, Australia, arrived back home this morning to a raucous hero’s welcome. Hundreds of Namibians were present with Government official in tow at the Hosea Kutako international airport.

The Minister of Sport, Youth and National Services Erastus Uutoni said the Government and the entire Nation was proud of all the athletes, the coaching staff,team doctors and everyone who was part of the team.

Helalia Johannes won Gold in the Marathon, becoming the first female to win Gold for Namibia at the Commonwealth Games

He said, “You have put Namibia on the map, your achievement attracts people to the beautiful land of the brave.”

The Minister said his entire Ministry was so happy, that they had canceled a management meeting in order to welcome ‘our hero.’

Government invested N$4 million in sending the team to the Commonwealth Games, and Uutoni appealed to the business community to invest in sport and meet the government halfway.
He singled out Junias Jonas (Boxing Gold) and Helalia Johannes (Marathon Gold) and their achievements as a stepping-stone and motivation to other Namibians to excel in sport.

Part of Team Namibia’s Commonwealth team

Out of 27 athletes, the duo returned with Gold medals, while Johannes became the first ever Namibian to win a Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

The Minister affirmed plans to establish a Sport Fund and has previously challenged every Namibian to contribute to the fund. Namibia participated in various sports codes such as Bowling, Boxing, Cycling, Marathon, Paralympics and won two gold in Marathon and Boxing respectively.

mrobert@namibiadailynews.info