Africa-Press – Namibia. ANGELINE ‘Jenna’ Sihova says she had the “best week of my life”, courtesy of the recent Special Olympics Unified Cup in Detriot, USA.
ANGELINE ‘Jenna’ Sihova says she had the “best week of my life”, courtesy of the recent Special Olympics Unified Cup in Detriot, USA.
The 15-year-old is an athlete living with intellectual disability who helped Namibia win the Unified Cup Division 3 gold medal.
Born at Rundu, but a resident of Windhoek, Jenna has been part of Special Olympics Namibia’s structures for six years through the Dagbreek Special School.
She was understandably anxious about boarding a plane for the first time when she departed from the Hosea Kutako International Airport at 18h10 on 29 July. But, she was just as eager to experience the feeling of taking a flight.
Her maiden journey beyond the borders of Namibia took her to Johannesburg, South Africa, then to Europe in the Netherlands’ capital city of Amsterdam, before arriving in Detroit at 15h15 on 30 July.
“I enjoyed my flight, especially when the plane went up. It was a very nice experience. It was long and I got tired but I will get used to it,” she said upon arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
This is the first of many more adventures abroad, she declared with a twinkle in her eyes.
Along with her Special Gladiators teammates, Jenna was part of more than 300 footballers from over 20 nations competing in the football tournament.
The event showed the world how the power of sport builds and shapes a diverse community that unites and empowers people of all abilities.
The accommodating atmosphere during the tournament blended well with Jenna’s personality.
She’s “an athlete full of laughter and infectious smile”, says Emilia Nzuzi, the national executive director of Special Olympics Namibia.
Jenna mingled freely and endlessly as her inquisitive and warm presence shone through.
“It was my first time to get out of the country. I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed myself in America. I made friends and I wish to go back again,” Jenna reminisced.
The pacey striker sealed Namibia’s title triumph with the third goal in a 3-0 final romp against United Arab Emirates.
To cap off a memorable week, Jenna scored a goal to help the Red Team beat the Black Team 4-1 in the Celebrity exhibition match on the final day of competition. One of her teammates was Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles, who doubled as Special Olympics champion ambassador and honorary coach.
On the Black Team was retired American football star DaMarcus Beasley, who played for PSV Eindhoven and Manchester City during an illustrious career that saw him become the only US man to play in four Fifa World Cups.
“It was fun to play with celebrities. Those who didn’t get a chance, must wait for their chance and then they will be like how I am now. I had fun and I came back with a gold medal,” Jenna said.
“I actually have two medals,” she quipped while proudly waving the exhibition game medal about before hopping onto the plane to return home.
The 15-year-old is an athlete living with intellectual disability who helped Namibia win the Unified Cup Division 3 gold medal.
Born at Rundu, but a resident of Windhoek, Jenna has been part of Special Olympics Namibia’s structures for six years through the Dagbreek Special School.
She was understandably anxious about boarding a plane for the first time when she departed from the Hosea Kutako International Airport at 18h10 on 29 July. But, she was just as eager to experience the feeling of taking a flight.
Her maiden journey beyond the borders of Namibia took her to Johannesburg, South Africa, then to Europe in the Netherlands’ capital city of Amsterdam, before arriving in Detroit at 15h15 on 30 July.
“I enjoyed my flight, especially when the plane went up. It was a very nice experience. It was long and I got tired but I will get used to it,” she said upon arrival at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
This is the first of many more adventures abroad, she declared with a twinkle in her eyes.
Along with her Special Gladiators teammates, Jenna was part of more than 300 footballers from over 20 nations competing in the football tournament.
The event showed the world how the power of sport builds and shapes a diverse community that unites and empowers people of all abilities.
The accommodating atmosphere during the tournament blended well with Jenna’s personality.
She’s “an athlete full of laughter and infectious smile”, says Emilia Nzuzi, the national executive director of Special Olympics Namibia.
Jenna mingled freely and endlessly as her inquisitive and warm presence shone through.
“It was my first time to get out of the country. I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed myself in America. I made friends and I wish to go back again,” Jenna reminisced.
The pacey striker sealed Namibia’s title triumph with the third goal in a 3-0 final romp against United Arab Emirates.
To cap off a memorable week, Jenna scored a goal to help the Red Team beat the Black Team 4-1 in the Celebrity exhibition match on the final day of competition. One of her teammates was Miss America 2022 Emma Broyles, who doubled as Special Olympics champion ambassador and honorary coach.
On the Black Team was retired American football star DaMarcus Beasley, who played for PSV Eindhoven and Manchester City during an illustrious career that saw him become the only US man to play in four Fifa World Cups.
“It was fun to play with celebrities. Those who didn’t get a chance, must wait for their chance and then they will be like how I am now. I had fun and I came back with a gold medal,” Jenna said.
“I actually have two medals,” she quipped while proudly waving the exhibition game medal about before hopping onto the plane to return home.
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