Africa-Press – Namibia. FRANS Panduleni Paulus feels “tired and defeated”. The country’s disability sport trailblazer is despondent and disappointed at being discarded despite his role in amplifying the movement.
He continues to live in a dilapidated storeroom at Oshakati State Hospital, barely making ends meet. “I’m still here, and it’s getting worse. I’m tired of this place. My soul is tired. Please, tell the nation what I said. They must know that I’m not comfortable. I’m not well,” Paulus told The Namibian in an interview this week.
“I’m stuck in this dormitory. I also want something to call home. I have battled very hard to get funds so that I get out of here, but I keep hitting a brick wall. Maybe someone or an organisation can help me with a fundraiser,” he said. HEROIC STINT
Eleven years ago, Paulus, popularly know as Pac, sacrificed his health to bring attention to disability sport in the country. He braved the cold and blistering wind to complete a five-day journey by hand-cycling 715km from Oshakati to Windhoek to raise funds and awareness for disability sport.
The 40-year-old paraplegic has nothing to show for that heroic effort today. “I have something weighing heavily on my heart. It is well-documented that I made history. I inspired many people, especially from disability sport,” said Paulus.
His misfortune began when he took ill shortly after that epic journey. His body reacted unfavourably to the rigour of travelling on one’s back for such a long distance. He spent nearly three years in and out of hospital seeking treatment for spinal tuberculosis.
Being restricted to the hospital for such a lengthy period took its toll on the “national hero”, who from time-to-time would post despondent statements on his Facebook page.
That misery extended indefinitely since his discharge. FAILED DREAM “I thought my life would be better. I hoped something would be done for me by the government or business community.
“Many years have passed and nobody has thought of doing anything to help me improve my life. I’ve knocked on many doors but there’s been no positive response.”
Upon completing his remarkable journey, ‘Pac’ and his entourage were swamped by supporters brandishing placards with congratulatory messages at the Sam Nujoma Stadium.
Young and old all wanted to a piece of him, shake his hand and have photos taken with him. Today, the entourage is nowhere to be seen and a helping hand is hard to come by, he laments.
“My question is, what do I need to do to be recognised for my efforts? I feel that I really want to be recognised as someone who did something that inspired many Namibians. I’m not forcing anyone, but for what I have done, I believe I deserve to be recognised,” Pac said.
“I don’t want to be praised when I’m dead, while I’m suffering here. I want it now, not when I’m dead.
“I inspired many people, especially those living with disability. I feel that I have opened many doors for them. Because I gave them a good example. They are going to school, they’re doing sport and they are out there busy now; not like before.”
The 2015 Nedbank Cycle Challenge marked the last competitive outing for Pac. A follow-up race in South Africa fell through, while his bike had also fallen into disrepair.
With little in the way of support, he shelved his career indefinitely. THE FALL OUT Namibia Paralympic Committee (NPC) secretary general Michael Hamukwaya, who organised Fran’s historic odyssey, says his one-time protege’s situation is unfortunate.
The pair fell-out after their fundraiser only yielded around N$31 000. “We were all disappointed that we didn’t raise more funds. We were not knowledgeable finance-wise. We were supposed to involve corporates from the beginning so that they make pledges for every kilometre or something like that,” Hamukwaya said.
“From the NPC point of view, there’s nothing we can do for him as an individual. We focus on national teams and as you know, we have very little resources,” he explained.
“If we had the money, we would help him. Also, if we help him, then we must do the same for all athletes, as most of them are in similar hardships. We don’t have funds for that.”
After relations soured with Frans and keen to find other avenues to enhance para-sports, Hamukwaya quit the Oshana Heroes Club at Oshakati and relocated to Windhoek where he now runs the Namib Lions Athletics Club. Following suit is Frans’ best route out of his predicament, the official advices.
“There’s nothing happening in Oshana with regards to Paralympic sports since I left. There’s nobody to help him there. They have leadership problems and you need someone with passion and willing to make sacrifices to take on the challenge,” said Hamukwaya.
“Unfortunately, most active clubs are in Windhoek. If he can join one here, then hopefully he can revive his career.”
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