Inclusion in Sport Champion Namibia
Commonwealth Point of Light 170. Katrina Gowases
Katrina Gowases, representing Namibia, is a leading advocate for increasing the representation of women and disabled athletes in sport in Namibia on a local and international level.
She has used her position as a journalist to promote the issue of representation, wanting all athletes to have access to the same platforms as able-bodied people. Katrina is also on the Board of the ‘Basketball Artists School’, a programme working to improve access to education and awareness of healthy lifestyles to over 60 children a year who are living in less privileged communities.
Katrina said:
“Wow, I’m speechless. Thank you so much for the award. My first ever acknowledgement for my sacrifices in Sports. I will do it over again, because it is out of love.
“I have worked and covered sports on a wide spectrum. Dealing from grassroots development to national sports programme mainstreaming. I have realised the importance of voluntarism and the difference it can make in society, especially amongst the less privileged and marginalised communities. The past years have seen me work with athletes living with disabilities and women in sport and it was then I realised the impact and contribution of my work as a journalist. I am very passionate about the sports fraternity and especially about athletes living disabilities.
“My thanks and appreciation goes to Her Majesty The Queen and the British High Commission for the recognition. Please accept my deepest thanks.”
Charlotte Fenton, Chargé d’Affaires at the UK High Commission in Namibia, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Katrina has been awarded a Commonwealth Points of Light Award in recognition for the tireless work she has done to ensure that every child regardless of their physical ability or background is able to enjoy sports in Namibia. She has also highlighted the vital contribution that women make to the sporting world, and has been an advocate for gender equality in sport.
“Points of Light are outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a real difference in their community. Katrina’s passion for sports, and through her journalism background, have been her drivers for showcasing the opportunities that exist for everyone to partake in sports, without prejudice or discrimination. She has made a real difference to so many people in Namibia, and epitomises a Point of Light in every way.
“My huge congratulations to Katrina on this wonderful achievement.”