Windhoek: Namibia Deaf Sport Federation (NDSF) president, Abner Sheya, has said exposure to international competition is essential for the growth of deaf sports in Namibia. In an interview with Nampa on Monday, Sheya said 2025 marks a 'historic milestone' for the federation, as Namibia has, for the first time since beginning their attempts in 2017, succeeded in sending athletes to compete at the Deaflympic Games.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Sheya stated that competing at the Deaflympics introduced Namibian athletes to advanced technologies such as the light-based starting system. These technologies were previously inaccessible due to limited funding for training camps or the purchase of specialised equipment. Participation at this level enhances skills, boosts confidence, and plays a crucial role in the national development of deaf sports.

Sheya also noted the challenges faced by the NDSF in their maiden appearance at the Deaflympic Games. A lack of experience in the Deaflympic environment, coupled with resource constraints, affected the readiness level the federation had hoped to achieve. Due to inadequate funding, the federation was forced to prioritise only the most essential expenses to ensure Namibia could be represented on the world stage.

The NDSF president highlighted the difficulty in providing proper equipment, with the federation having to secure second-hand running shoes from friends in Germany. Some athletes found these shoes uncomfortable for high-performance competition, illustrating the challenges faced due to unavailable necessary resources.

Despite receiving assistance from the Namibian Government, NamPower, the Namibia Sports Commission, and MTC, the support fell short of the federation's projected budget. As a result, several key costs remain outstanding, including fifty per cent of the team's return flight tickets, which are still unpaid. Sheya appealed for additional support to ensure the athletes return home safely.

Sheya emphasized that international competitions like the Deaflympics are vital for promoting equality in sport, asserting that true inclusion begins with ensuring athletes with disabilities receive the same opportunities and support as their able-bodied counterparts.