WINDHOEK – Namibia on Friday jetted out a strong contingent of 30 athletes to represent the country at this year’s Youth Olympic Games, starting 16-28 August in Nanjing, China at the Nanjing Olympic Sports Center.
With an estimated 3600 athletes from 204 participating countries, Namibia will compete in more than eight disciplines led by Athletics, Football, Cycling, Gymnastics, Swimming, Tennis, Beach Volleyball and Archery.
The Namibia National Olympics Committee (NNOC) held a send-off ceremony at the Arebbusch Lodge in Windhoek on Friday, where the athletes mingled with teammates, families and friends before their departure.
The Youth Olympic Games is an international multi-sport event organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The games are held every four years in staggered summer and winter events consistent with the current Olympic Games format.
The first summer version was held in Singapore from 14-26 August 2010 while the first winter version was held in Innsbruck, Austria from 13-22 January 2012. The age of the athletes is 14 to 18 years.
In 2007, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) members at the 119th IOC session officially approved the creation of a youth version of the Olympic Games.
The IOC and the host city share the cost of hosting the event, while the travel costs of athletes and the coaches is paid by the IOC.
By Otniel Hembapu