WINDHOEK: Old Mutual Namibia on Tuesday handed over prizes to six athletes who participated in the 2012 Victory Races’ Series.
The winner of the senior female category, Lavinia Haitope and Kristof Shaanika, who won the senior male category, walked away with N.dollars 15 000 each.The second and third-placed winners in both the female and male categories received N.dollars 10 000 and N.dollars 5 000, respectively.
They are Anna Amukoto and Sofia Nambambi (female second and third) and Simon Shipingana and Uveni Kuugongelwa (male second and third).These funds will be utilised by the winners to further their tertiary studies, including further training to enhance their sporting capabilities.
Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony in the capital, Old Mutual Retail Business Chief Executive Officer Gim Victor reiterated that Old Mutual’s 12-year commitment, worth over N.dollars 3 million including this year’s sponsorship of N.dollars 510 000, is affirmation of the calibre that the race series holds.
“We can proudly say that our Namibian athletes Lavinia Haitope and Kristof Shaanika will have the opportunity to compete at the Two Oceans’ Marathon in South Africa on 30 March 2013, as part of Old Mutual’s sponsorship of N.dollars 16 100 which will cover their travel, accommodation and entry fees to this prestigious regional race,” he revealed.
Victor added that Old Mutual Namibia remains a committed corporate citizen in educating and engaging with the youth of Namibia as part of their social development initiatives within their communities.
Speaking at the same occasion, the Director of Sports in the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture, Dr Vetumbuavi Veii said Old Mutual has always featured predominantly as an active corporate citizen, and has made significant contributions to projects covering education, community upliftment and skills’ development.“We at the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture fully endorse endeavours which support nation-building, spearheaded by the private sector, which in turn provides running enthusiasts with the opportunity to demonstrate their athletics’ skill and ability,” Veii noted.
He said the Victory Races’ Series encourages and supports the development of Namibian athletes in the furtherance of their considerable athletic talents.“I know that the Old Mutual Foundation’s vision is to enrich the lives of Namibians through innovative and sustainable initiatives in order to add value to the socio-economic development in Namibia, and the Victory Races’ Series certainly deliver on this promise,” said Veii. He then commended the athletes for their achievements, and wished them well in all their future endeavours.