Otjiwarongo, Namibia – The Namibia Paralympic Committee (NNPC) recently took a significant step towards enhancing its governance by organizing a workshop for the current board at the Kaku Guest House in Otjiwarongo.
Facilitated by Sports Consultant Mathew Haikali and Isack Hamata, the workshop focused on instilling good governance practices within the sports organization.
The initiative, spearheaded by the NNPC President, aimed at capacity building for existing board members and implementing mechanisms to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. The workshop provided a platform for the board to discuss and adopt international standards in sports governance.
“This workshop comes at a very opportune time, especially at the beginning of the year, for us to map forward and provide guidance to our members. It is crucial that this becomes a standard for all NNPC members when they take office. As the call for professionalization of sports continues to mount, we at NNPC need to embrace this call and do our part,” stated the President during the opening ceremony.
The Namibian Paralympic Movement has been actively involved in various sporting activities since 1976 but gained global prominence only recently. Namibia officially became a member nation of the International Paralympic Committee in 1999, marking its debut at the 1992 Summer Paralympics in Barcelona.
The workshop emphasized the importance of inductions for board members, aligning the NNPC with international expectations. The President highlighted the need for NNPC to embrace professionalization as the sports landscape evolves.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Manuel commended the NNPC board for their commitment to governance, acknowledging the insight gained into the organization’s dynamics. She also expressed gratitude to the President for courageously putting the board under the spotlight and initiating the streamlining of the organization in line with best standards.
The NNPC’s mission is “To promote, support, and facilitate Paralympic sport opportunities in Namibia through good governance, manpower development, management, and lobbying for user-friendly Paralympic sporting facilities and provision of specialized equipment.”
The workshop was attended by Vice President Agnes Hausiku, Board member Henock Hanga, Treasurer Jean-Paul Schmidt, President Litwayi Johannes, Board Member Suzzett Guim, Director of Sport Joa Manuel, and Chief Administrator, NSC Fred Mwiya. Their collective participation demonstrates the commitment of the NNPC board to ushering in a new era of professionalism and governance in Paralympic sports in Namibia.
