Retail banking giant FNB Namibia yesterday became the latest entity to lead a horde of corporate companies that pledged financial and material support towards Namibia’s newly-crowned Olympic women’s 200m silver medallist Christine Mboma and fellow finalist Beatrice Masilingi, following their breath taking exploits in Tokyo, Japan.
The two sprint sensations hogged headlines in the women’s 200m race at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics, delivering a string of dominant performances to reach Tuesday’s star-studded final, where Mboma clocked a record-breaking 21.81 to win Namibia’s first silver medal at the Olympics since 1996.
Masilingi was not to be outdone, as she powered across the finish line in a new personal best time of 22.28, finishing sixth overall in a highly-electrified final.
Mboma’s winning time became the new national record, new African record and new world U/20 record, while she made further history by becoming the youngest woman to win an individual flat sprint medal in 49 years.
She also became the first-ever woman to win a medal for Namibia at the Olympics.
Ahead of their participation at the Tokyo Olympics, the two sprinters received a massive morale booster when MTC gave them a three-year N$4 million sponsorship, which will see each athlete getting N$2 million to use for preparations and other related needs. Yesterday, FNB followed suit by throwing their weight behind the country’s two newfound Olympians, pledging a combined N$260 000 financial reward to Mboma, Masilingi and their revered mentor Henk Botha.
Making an official announcement on its social media platforms, the bank said saving accounts will be opened for the three beneficiaries and will see silver medallist Mboma receiving N$100 000, while Masilingi and coach Botha will each get N$80 000.
“Everyone has a part to play in delivering a globally competitive Namibia. Christine Mboma, Beatrice Masilingi and Henk Botha have led the way this week, and FNB is excited to help them continue to do so – personally and professionally… And maybe also, to have a little fun after their hard work. They certainly deserve it,” said FNB CEO Erwin Tjipuka.
Local airline FlyWestair also came on board by pledging flights to and from their respective destinations for the next two years.
“We hope we will be able to assist the ladies with their future endeavours, including to the Africa Games after the Olympics.”
Swakopmund Strand Hotel and the Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) also announced they had pledged vouchers for the two athletes to spend several nights at their respective establishments.
The Swakopmund Strand Hotel said they will offer two nights at the hotel, while NWR said they will give vouchers for the athletes to be accommodated at one of their resorts countrywide.
Pasta Polana Namibia announced they will sponsor the two sprinters with Pasta Polana products for the whole year, while Nictus Furniture also gifted the two Olympians with Restonic Tranquilo Queen beds each worth N$5 700.
Meanwhile, a large number of small and medium enterprises and business personalities have all equally come forth to pledge material support towards the athletes and coach.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na