By Kavii Vezemburuka Businessman Peter Shambo has donated 150-thousand dollars to the northern-based Shokonawa marathon academy, to help boost its operations. For years, the academy has played an integral role in promoting and uplifting athletics in the remote rural areas of the region. This is primarily why the business man deemed it necessary to fund the academy, in order to enhance its capacity to carry out various competitions, and provide a platform where aspiring athletes may compete. Speaking during the launch of the much-anticipated Peter Shambo marathon - to take place at Okaku on Saturday morning, Shambo says, he hopes his donation will have a meaningful impact on rural sports, whilst calling on others to follow suit. “Me and my wife and my business decided to sponsor 150 - thousand over the period of three, and we hope that other business people will follow suit in future to help the Academy financially as well, concludes Shambo. Also in attendance was the Deputy Minister of Safety and Security Daniel Kashikola who highlighted that the country's rural sports still has a long way to go, and can only be successful if both government and individuals give them their much needed support. Kashikola says, sport infrastructure will play an integral role in uplifting the various sport codes and encouraging those with the talent to make sports their career. “I would really like to take this opportunity to thank Shambo and family for hat you have contributed towards Shokonawa marathon academy because it will go a long way in contributing to sports. I am also challenging the young ones to take up the challenge of sports, it is a challenge”. The academy's founder Simon Shokonawa welcomed the sponsorship while promising to put up a memorable event come Saturday. . The marathon will see athletes cover 5, 10 and 21 kilometers from Ongha village in the Ohangwena region to Okaku in Oshana region.