Jonas Shilongo receives prosthetic leg
Jonas Shilongo has a prosthetic leg from New Life Medical Supplies in Swakopmund and he cannot contain his happiness.
The dream of Jonas Shilongo, who wishes to play for the Brave Warriors one day despite losing his leg at the age of five, is closer to being realised after he received a prosthesis on Friday.
A video of the 12-year-old boy Jonas Shilongo playing football with his friends while on crutches went viral on social media earlier this year.
Shilongo, who was handed the community inspirational award during the Namibia Annual Sports Awards (NASA) in October, received donations from numerous individuals around the country once the video started circulating.
The funds were used to acquire the prosthetic leg from New Life Medical Supplies in Swakopmund. Doctor Jannie Schoeman of New Life made the leg for Shilongo, charging no fees for his labour as part of his contribution.
At Friday's fitting Schoeman said it was an honour to help someone realise their dream.
“We are just happy to have been part of the team realising Shilongo's dream of walking with both legs like any other person, as well as that of playing football,” he said.
He added that Shilongo's fitting went well and said he would be able to start rehabilitation so he could use his new leg soon.
“Therapy will go on for as long as it takes to ensure that the leg functions well and that he is comfortable using his new leg.”
Shilongo, originally from Okando village in the Omusati Region, could not contain his happiness. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who made it possible for him to get the prosthetic leg and said he wishes other children in the same position could also be helped.
“I'm urging my fellow aspiring athletes to not give up on their dreams and continue playing the sports they are interested in.
“My dream is to play for the Brave Warriors one day and make my country proud as it is my country's people who made this possible for me,” he said.
Shilongo's mother Martha Ndeutenge explained that he had a problem with his right leg when he was born, which led to it being amputated when he was five years old.
She said her son quickly adjusted to using crutches and has always been interested in sports.
“I hope that with his prosthetic leg, he will be able to take his football career to the next level,” she added.
This was the first time the community inspirational award was handed over, chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) Freddy Mwiya said.
He added the commission aims to plough back into young people who are passionate about sports, regardless of its limited budget.
“Shilongo is a talented young man and we want to ensure that he, and each and every child, gets the opportunity to take part in sports,” Mwiya added. - NAMPA
A video of the 12-year-old boy Jonas Shilongo playing football with his friends while on crutches went viral on social media earlier this year.
Shilongo, who was handed the community inspirational award during the Namibia Annual Sports Awards (NASA) in October, received donations from numerous individuals around the country once the video started circulating.
The funds were used to acquire the prosthetic leg from New Life Medical Supplies in Swakopmund. Doctor Jannie Schoeman of New Life made the leg for Shilongo, charging no fees for his labour as part of his contribution.
At Friday's fitting Schoeman said it was an honour to help someone realise their dream.
“We are just happy to have been part of the team realising Shilongo's dream of walking with both legs like any other person, as well as that of playing football,” he said.
He added that Shilongo's fitting went well and said he would be able to start rehabilitation so he could use his new leg soon.
“Therapy will go on for as long as it takes to ensure that the leg functions well and that he is comfortable using his new leg.”
Shilongo, originally from Okando village in the Omusati Region, could not contain his happiness. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who made it possible for him to get the prosthetic leg and said he wishes other children in the same position could also be helped.
“I'm urging my fellow aspiring athletes to not give up on their dreams and continue playing the sports they are interested in.
“My dream is to play for the Brave Warriors one day and make my country proud as it is my country's people who made this possible for me,” he said.
Shilongo's mother Martha Ndeutenge explained that he had a problem with his right leg when he was born, which led to it being amputated when he was five years old.
She said her son quickly adjusted to using crutches and has always been interested in sports.
“I hope that with his prosthetic leg, he will be able to take his football career to the next level,” she added.
This was the first time the community inspirational award was handed over, chief administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC) Freddy Mwiya said.
He added the commission aims to plough back into young people who are passionate about sports, regardless of its limited budget.
“Shilongo is a talented young man and we want to ensure that he, and each and every child, gets the opportunity to take part in sports,” Mwiya added. - NAMPA
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