The Dome’s Elite Athletic in Paris

Keanu Stuurman (21 years) is one of The Dome’s Elite Athletic team members for the past three years, a dedicated sportsman and achiever with the goal to qualify and represent Namibia at the Tokyo Olympics this year.

His passion for karate has gained him the opportunity to participate at the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Paris France.
Keanu derives from a less-privileged household in Swakopmund, challenged by financial and educational difficulties. Though both of his parents are unemployed, he believes in personal growth and to excel in sport as an opportunity to ensure a secure future and to eventually change the circumstances he comes from.
Keanu and Mayvonne Swart from Swakopmund will attend the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Paris France from 11-13 June due to the support of the Swakopmund Mayoral Development Fund (covering travel and accommodation expenses). Gudrun and Isabelle Bellwinkel (Swakopmund residents) funded the remainder of Keanu’s expenses; a model of goodwill and giving.

“The local authority of Swakopmund supports youth and sport development, and karate athletes Keanu and Mayvonne are part of our destiny. Giving is not about a donation, it’s about making a difference,” according to Mayor Louisa Kativa.
Keanu’s has been training karate since the age of 7 for the past 14 years and his daily routine comprises of four to six hours practise a week with Sensei Valdemar Swart, owner and Dojo Head of Shotokan Karate Academy Inter-national (SKAI) in Swakopmund, who is also Keanu’s karate coach since the start of his karate training.
SKAI Swakopmund Dojo supports him in karate training fees.
Keanu also combines his training with two sessions at The Dome Gym. He is also one of the athletes who benefits from the Swakop Karate Social Fund which is an initiative by SKAI Swakopmund to support athletes participating internationally.

Keanu’s has been part of the selected Namibian National Karate Team for the past several years and some of his sport achievements since 2019 includes Shotokan Open Championship (2 x gold); AUSC Region 5 (South) Championships (1 x silver team kumite, 2 x bronze); Namibia Karate Federation National Championships (2 x gold) and Shotokan National Championship (2 x gold).  Since he started karate, his dream was to represent his country Namibia on the World Karate Federation International level. Participating thus at the Olympic Qualifying Event will be proof that the true fundamentals of karate as a sport has led him on his path, which is now come through in his character namely, endeavour to excel, be respectful and be disciplined. This has led to a bright future for him and taught him that anyone can make a difference in their community.

The Dome Academies supported Keanu with gym membership, training and tuition fees and mentorship the past few years as part of their youth development program. “We believe that international exposure will strengthen his talent to achieve a higher level of excellence for him as person and for our country,” according to Ulla Finkeldey, Director at The Dome Academies and professional trainer and mentor to Keanu.
The Swakopmund Mayoral Development Fund sponsored traveling and accommodation costs. The outstanding amount to enable Keanu to travel has been taken up by benefactors Gudrun and Isabelle Bellwinkel (Swakopmund residents). This action was started by Cllr Claus Goldbeck who approached them.
The Namibian Karate team that are in Paris France are Mayvonne Swart, Michael Nakapandi, Freddy Mwiya Jnr, Suzel Pronk and Keanu Tyrone Stuurman. They will be accompanied by coach, Llewelyn Manale.