Special Olympics Namibia (SON) has announced that they will host the Special Olympics Namibia National Games in the Erongo region.
The competition is set to take place from 31 May to 1 June at the Vineta Stadium.
Held every two years, the national games provide athletes with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to showcase their talents, and test their skills against their peers. The event promises fierce and exciting competition for spectators.
Athletes will compete in two sport codes: athletics and football.
Participants from five regions across Namibia’s Special Olympics chapters are expected to converge in Swakopmund, aiming to achieve personal bests. The regions represented will include Zambezi, Kavango East, Khomas, Oshana and the host region, Erongo. SON expects 144 athletes and unified partners to participate.
“This event provides an extra competition experience for our athletes before the 2026 National Games, where they will be selected to take part in the Special Olympics World Summer Games, scheduled for 2027 in Santiago, Chile,” SON said in a statement.
Unified partners—individuals without intellectual disabilities from schools or community teams—will also have the chance to compete alongside Special Olympics athletes on Unified Sports Teams, fostering inclusion and teamwork.
SON expressed gratitude to their sponsors, stating, “Our main sponsor for the event is Disability Sport Namibia, through the NamPower Foundation.
We also have many local companies supporting us in various ways, from offering discounts to donating items or funds. Everyone who offered their expertise and services, we value it. A list of sponsors will be published closer to the event.”
The event is not only a significant milestone for the athletes, but also a celebration of inclusivity and community support, making it a highly-anticipated occasion in Swakopmund.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na