Persons with disabilities who are athletes, alongside organisations, received cash prizes and certificates for their exceptional leadership and impactful contributions to their communities.

The awards were presented at the National Disability Week closing ceremony held in Lüderitz on Thursday.

The award ceremony celebrated persons with disabilities and organisations, including athletes and community groups, who have made outstanding contributions behind the scenes despite facing significant challenges.

Vice President Lucia Witbooi said that their dedicated efforts are transforming the country's economy by launching businesses that create employment opportunities and demonstrating inspiring leadership within their communities. 

This recognition, she says, honours their resilience, impact, and commitment to positive change.

"To every individual receiving an award this morning, thank you for your courage, your brilliance and your unwavering commitment to rewriting the narrative of what is possible. Namibia sees you, Namibia honours you, and Namibia stands with you."

One of the recipients is the Kunene community-based CPR organisation, honoured for being the best service provider for people with disabilities.

They bring vital mobile services such as emergency health care, agriculture training, counselling, and emotional support directly to people with disabilities and vulnerable children in remote areas.

Kuti Kozohura is the coordinator for the Kunene community-based CPR.

"This Kunene rehabilitation centre, as you know, we are all under disability, and also, as we are the youth of Kunene, we have decided that God has given us an example that Job was a man who was beaten, and while he was beaten like that, he was not quitting; he was having the belief that even if the problem was under his heart, he was going forward. We decided, as we are the youth who are under disability, we should not quit." 

Activist Viviane De Koe was awarded a N$5,000 cash prize for being the best activist for people with disabilities.

"We have been fighting the battles, but we did it together, and I am so proud today of everyone that has voted and nominated me to receive this award because I was definitely surprised, but it just shows you that the things you don't see, other people see; whatever you do in life will not go unrecognised."

Other award winners included Selma Doeses and Petro Kooper, who received the best sportsman and sportswoman with disabilities and equally received five thousand dollars. 

The Dagbreek running team won best sports team for persons with disabilities, earning N$30 000 dollars, while the Southern Association of the Visually Impaired also received N$30 000, and the office of the president also scooped N$30 000 for best employer for peopl with disabilities.