Donatha sports medic hands over certificates

• By Michael Uugwanga 

RENOWNED sports medics Donatha Ngunovandu held her first basic sports medicine course in Windhoek, recently in conjunction with the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) and the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service.

Around 28 sports medics, including former Brave Warriors and now Orlando Pirates (Namibia) striker Sadney Urikhob, completed the four-day course that was held at the Dona Sports Medic in the presence of former Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Bernard Haufiku.

One of the certificate recipients is 12-year-old Goma Lopez, who could not hide his excitement, as this means he is eligible to treat even top athletes such as Christine Mboma, Beatrice Masilingi, Peter Shalulile and many others.

“I am in grade six at Suiderhoff Primary School in Windhoek and a school medic.

I would like to encourage my peers to never give up on their dreams, and they can take up any course, regardless of age. They must always feel passionate.

It feels good and surprised. I want to thank everyone and my classmates for the support and, of course, madam Donatha for this opportunity. I can become a medic in any sports code, and I am ready,” said Lopez.

Ngunovandu has been working as a medic in different sports codes, such as the Brave Warriors and at club level with the University of Namibia (UNAM) Rugby Club and has produced lots of top sports medics, such as Julia Halweendo, who is now Brave Warriors and Brave Gladiators medic and many others.

With lots of sports activities about to start, the recipients of the certificates will have a variety of sports codes to choose from as medics, notably football season, is starting this weekend, while the women’s game is set to begin next weekend.

Haufiku, who knows very well how important sports medics play a role as far athletes’ injuries are concerned, said that it is high time that Ngunovandu receives national recognition for her role, particularly from the Government.

Jo-Ann Manuel was also present at the award ceremony as the main speaker in the absence of the main guest speaker, the Minister of Youth and National Service, Agnes Tjongarero, who could not be present because of other equal importance tasks.

For more: Grab a copy of the Newspaper