KARIBIB-During the 10th edition of the QKR Namibia Navachab half-marathon held in Karibib:uring the 10th edition of the QKR Namibia Navachab half-marathon held in Karibib, Jo-Ann Manuel, the Director of Sport Development in the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, highlighted the critical role of corporate partnerships in sports development. The event, which witnessed increased participation and prize money, served as a platform for Manuel to emphasize the dependence of sports promotion on both government and private sector funding.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Manuel pointed out the financial constraints faced by her ministry, which receives only 1% of the government’s budget. She underscored the importance of private sponsorship, praising sports officer Berthold Karumendu for maintaining a decade-long partnership with Navachab. “The support from the corporate world is crucial for promoting sports, as government funding alone is not enough,” Manuel stated at the award ceremony.
The Navachab
half-marathon, which started from humble beginnings, has seen significant growth over the years, both in scope and impact. It not only boosts local businesses but also provides a platform for the country’s elite athletes to compete, thereby inspiring younger, upcoming sports talents. This year, the event increased its prize money in various categories, with the male and female winners of the 21.1-kilometer race each receiving N$20,000, a substantial increase from the previous N$10,000.
Freddy Mwiya, Chief Administrator of the Namibia Sport Commission, also spoke at the event, noting the unifying power of sports and expressing satisfaction with Navachab’s continued sponsorship. The total sponsorship for this year’s event amounted to N$700,000, covering prize monies and event logistics.
