WALVIS BAY: Namibian Paralympics’ medallist, Johanna Benson, on Tuesday thanked all individuals, institutions and private companies who have donated money, goods and services to her.
Benson received a total of N.dollars 292 000 thus far from the Namibian Government (N.dollars 170 000) and about 36 private individuals, institutions and/or organisations since returning home from the recent 2012 London Paralympic Games, where she won a gold medal in the T37 200m sprint, and a silver medal for the T37 100m.
Speaking during a media conference here, Benson, through her spokesperson, her uncle Jeffrey Naobeb, announced that with the assistance of the Walvis Bay Municipality, an additional Trust Fund was created to control the funds Benson received thus far and will continue to receive in future, especially from appearances at events.
The Fund will be administered by two family members and a business associate, who will serve as chairperson.
However, Naobeb said the chairperson still needs to be identified and until then, the family will manage the Fund.
Old Mutual Namibia also handed over a Unit Trust investment to the value of N.dollars 10 000 to Benson last week Tuesday, and that is not included in the N.dollars 292 000.
Naobeb also announced that for the next four years, Benson, who did not say much during the media briefing, will receive free training from the biokinetics centre in Walvis Bay.
Biokinetics uses the application of therapeutic exercise techniques in rehabilitative treatment to enhance performance.
In addition to her new exercise regime, Benson will also receive free physiotherapy from the Pure Nutrition Technology agency over the next four years.
Naobebe indicated that from the three houses identified by the Namibian Government as a gift, Benson chose a house situated in the Fair View residential area of Walvis Bay.
Furthermore, he set the record straight concerning recent reports made by a local community newspaper, Namib Times, claiming that Benson has a child.
“It is not Benson’s child, but the child of her niece, Memory Benson,” explained Naobeb.