Olympian Mandje brings Africa 7 challenge to Namibia

**Elizabeth Likoro **

Spanish Olympic athlete Roberto Mandje took on Namibia’s leg of the Africa 7 – Run Your Purpose Endurance Challenge yesterday in Windhoek. The initiative highlights the importance of sport and mental health.

The athlete was welcomed at the BeFree Youth campus after running a marathon from Venus Ladies’ Gym in Pionierspark to the campus, where he crossed the finish line.

Speaking at the event, Mandje said running helps him improve his mental health and advised participants to stick with the tool that helps them overcome day-to-day problems.

“There are so many different ways to address mental health; for me, it is obviously running. Whatever the source that helps you with your mental health, it should not be stigmatised,” Mandje said.

Mandje is running seven marathons across seven African countries in seven consecutive days, and his arrival in Namibia marks his fourth country in a journey that aims to highlight the power of endurance, purpose and physical activity.

Following the marathon, Mandje toured the Be Free Youth Campus before taking part in a post-run conversation at Spark Lab focusing on sport and mental health.

He said each country had presented unique atmosphere and setbacks, but he found the Namibian conditions ideal.

“Every country so far has provided a different environment and challenge; Namibian conditions were perfect. Today being my fourth marathon, I knew it was going hurt, but I told myself to take one kilometre at a time, said Mandje.

The Africa 7 team has also indicated that the journey is being filmed as part of a documentary intended for Netflix, giving the initiative an international platform while showcasing Namibia as one of the countries forming part of the endurance challenge.

The event brought together athletes, young people, mental-health advocates, and community members, with the focus extending from the marathon itself to the broader message of finding purpose through movement.

–elizabethlikoro02@gmail.com

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