Jonas, Johannes named sports personalities of the year

WINDHOEK, 28 OCT  – Commonwealth Games gold medallist Junias Jonas and long distance runner Helalia Johannes were crowned Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the 2018 Namibia Sports Awards that took place in Swakopmund on Saturday.
The two athletes went into the event as clear favourites following their success at the games in Australia earlier this year.
Johannes, who is 38 years old, participated in eight races this year, winning seven of them and coming second in only one.
She paid tribute to her family and coach for helping her realise her dream.
“Their support has made it easy for me to achieve my dreams,” she said.
Jonas thanked Erastus Lazarus, Namibia’s former military attaché in Brazil, and his coach for believing in him while he was at his lowest during his arrest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016 on allegations of sexual assault and rape.
Other winners on the night include ‘Kids on Bikes’ from the Namibia Cycling Federation as the Development Programme of the Year, while Limba Mupetami was crowned Sports Journalist of the Year.
Patrick Esterhuisen was named Referee/Umpire of the Year and Tobias Nashilongo was crowned Coach of the Year.
The national rugby team took home the Team of the Year award.
Beata Hausiku won Junior Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, while Alfredo Bernard was awarded Junior Sportsman of the Year with a Disability.
Carene van Zyl scooped Junior Sportswoman of the Year and Lance Potgieter took the honours as the Junior Sportsman of the Year.
Lahja Ishitile, Sylvia Shivolo and Johanna Benson shared the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability award, while Ananias Shikongo took home the Sportsman of the Year with a Disability award.
(NAMPA)