Top Namibia boxing trainer and promoter Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias was honoured by various industry corporates, peers and political leaders for his role in putting the country’s name on the world boxing map.
Tobias was honoured during a gala dinner titled ‘Night of appreciating with Nestor’ at a hotel in Windhoek Thursday evening.
The event saw recorded messages coming from different speakers including former President Sam Nujoma, who congratulated Tobias for his achievements in a career spanning over 40 years as a boxer, trainer and promoter.
“Congratulations on your immense contribution to Namibia in sports. You have made us a proud boxing nation in Africa and the world. We need more committed cadres like you and sports has the ability to unite our nation irrespective of sex, religion, race or gender. We must therefore do more to ensure that our young people stay away from social ills,” Nujoma said in a recorded message.
His views were echoed by Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga, who said Namibia stands out in the world because of people like Tobias.
“His academy is recognised in the world and we are all proud of what he has done with his boxers, most of them who are from the police force. Our efforts in allowing our members to join his academy are not in vain as these boxers have reputable records because of Tobias,” Ndeitunga said.
Also in attendance was former three-time World Champion Dingani ‘The Rose of Soweto’ Thobela, who said sparring with Tobias helped him win world titles.
“Nestor was not just a sparring partner, he is someone who I relied on and knew would help better me. He made me competitive. He has gone through adversity but he has channelled all those challenges into his achievements today,” Thobela said.
Other speakers included coaches and boxers from his fitness academy, president of the World Boxing Organisation Francesco Paco, and various representatives of his past and present sponsors including Nampower, MTC, Namibia Wildlife Resorts, Mshasho, and Country Club Leisure Centre.
On his part Tobias paid tribute to his boxers, sponsors, and family, saying they made all his achievements possible.
“This is not the end of the road. I will continue working hard to produce more champions. I will continue taking more kids away from the streets and turn them into something in life,” Tobias said.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
