ONIIPA - The Ministry of Sport, Youth, and National Services (MSYNS) in the Oshikoto region is hosting indigenous games, which kicked off here on Tuesday. 

The traditional games such as Owela, Dota, Odule, and Eduva form part of the ministry’s annual activities for the region, which will end on 22 September. 

According to the chief sport officer for the Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa regions in the ministry, Hendrick Mapele, the aim is to promote community sport participation and create awareness of the importance of indigenous sports games as a means to address social ills among communities. 

Mapele, in a telephone interview with Nampa on Tuesday, said that through the games, the youth will learn to solve problems, enhance their thinking capacity, and safeguard their wellness. 

He said the ministry needs to promote indigenous games that are not recognised elsewhere. 

“We need to recognise our forefathers’ games so they can sensitise the community and be realised by the world,” said Mapele. 

The games are being held at Olukonda, Onayena, Onyaanya, Nehale Lyampingana, Omuntele, Okankolo, Eengodi, Guinas, Tsumeb, and Omuthiya. -Nampa