Charles Nyambe, the regional president and managing director of Special Olympics Africa last week scooped the Leading Like Mandela Award during the Sport for Social Change Network (SSCN) Africa Award ceremony.
SSCN Africa in partnership with the Leading Like Mandela organisation hosted its inaugural SSCN Africa awards in Johannesburg, South Africa with 138 organisations from 13 countries in attendance.
Nyambe, who in the past served as chairperson of Disability Sport Namibia before moving over to the continental body, walked away with the most prestigious award during this game-changing event which gave recognition to individuals and organisations who use sport to drive social impact programmes within their immediate communities.
About 14 winners from across the African continent were presented with various awards in categories such as health and wellbeing, economic empowerment, inclusion, safe sport, and the special SSCN Leading Like Mandela Champion Award.
Nyambe who was recognised with a Lifetime National Award during the 2021 Namibia Annual Sports Awards, received the accolade, the Leading Like Mandela Award, which recognises a high-profile individual and influencer who has contributed to the promotion of sport for peace and development in Africa.
In an interview with Nampa on Tuesday, Nyambe said he takes it as a lesson to preserve in providing service genuinely, especially where many shun it because they think it is too much work or they may not be in the spotlight.
“The area of service in this particular area is not for the elite. I feel that it is well-deserved because I have been authentically serving people with disabilities for many years out of passion and such an attitude leads to such an award,” said Nyambe.
He added that this is an opportunity for him to create awareness for people with disabilities, especially intellectual disabilities as they are a marginalised population.
“I will use this platform to create much-needed awareness considering that I received this award through supporting disability sports. The title of this award ‘Leading Like Mandela’ is huge. Mandela was selfless and that alone is what I will continue to do in supporting Special Olympics Athletes,” he said.
Source: Namibia Press News Agency
