Speedster ready to set international tracks ablaze
Athletics
A talented young sprinter from Lüderitz needs financial assistance to make her dream of competing at the International School Sport (ISF) Gymnasiade in Bahrain, a reality.Liezel Manyaza (16), a grade 10 learner at Angra Pequena Senior Secondary School, competes and has set national records in the 100m, 200m and long jump disciplines.
Record-setter
This year, she competed at the Namib Zonals, taking gold in the 100m, 200m and long jump. Her performance earned her the best girl track athlete accolade.
She set a new record at the //Kharas regionals for U17 girls in the 100m (12.19) race on 27 April. She won the long jump and 200m race and was named the senior victrix ludorum.
At the Namibian School Sport Union (NSSU) nationals on 5 May, Liezel set a new record in the 100m (12.65), finished second in the 200m and took bronze in the long jump.
She won gold in the 100m, 200m and long jump events at the Pupkewitz Foundation Athletics Meet in Swakopmund. Her performance earned her the senior victrix ludorum accolade.
On a mission
Liezel draws inspiration from Noah Lyles, the world’s fastest man and Olympic 100m champion.
“I admire his commitment and dedication. I started doing athletics as a hobby and it turned into my passion. I realized that I can reach for the stars by taking my sports career seriously and I want to inspire young athletes to get to their full potential.”
Her trainer, Charlene van Wyk, explained that they need an estimated N$100 000 to cover all their expenditures for the upcoming trip.
“She is still a minor and therefore an adult must accompany her to the event. We already started selling sandwiches and curry mince at school. We also have a raffle initiative with awesome prizes to be won, including a return flight ticket from any FlyNamibia destination.”
Van Wyk added that the exposure would do Liezel good and she encourage others to start seeing the value of sports as a career.
“Liezel’s dream is to qualify and represent Namibia at the next Olympics. Opportunities are scarce for children who do not attend schools in cities and many of our learners are not academically inclined, but they do excel in sports and can reach similar heights following in the footsteps of the likes of Frank Fredericks or Christine Mboma.”
Supportive
The mayor of Lüderitz, Phil Balhao, encouraged Namibians to contribute in any way they could.
“Let us invest in Liezel and help make her dream come true. One day when (not if) she represents us at the Olympic Games, we can all say we helped grow the seed of this amazing young talent from the Land of the Brave!”
The ISF Gymnasiade to be hosted in Manama, Bahrain, from 23 to 31 October 2024, offers an opportunity to create a starting point for school students in their journey in sport, whether it be high-level or casual engagement.
An important focus for the event will be on legacy and sustainability. Raising long-term awareness among generations of youth on the importance of sport and physical activity is therefore key, to make the ISF Gymnasiade more than just a one-time event.
Financial contributions can be deposited into Angra Pequena SSS’ cheque account (62247387146) at FNB Namibia (branch code 280371). Kindly use Bahrain as a reference.