The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp says the upcoming Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, which are scheduled to take place from 4 to 13 July are set to go.
The Namibian edition of the Games will feature the following sporting codes: Athletics (including able-bodied, visually impaired, and Special Olympics), basketball, basketball 3×3, beach volleyball, boxing, e-sports, football, judo, karate, netball, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, and swimming.
Events will be hosted at two locations: Windhoek and Swakopmund, with athletics and swimming events taking place in Swakopmund.
Speaking on Tuesday, Steenkamp said accommodation for athletes and officials will be provided at the University of Namibia (Unam) in Windhoek and at the Municipal Bungalows in Swakopmund, which will serve as the Games villages.
“These games have presented a unique opportunity to enhance Namibia’s sports infrastructure. The following upgrades are currently underway: The Unam main campus kitchen, previously non-functional due to damaged equipment, is being restored to full capacity.
“Several dilapidated sports facilities at Unam are undergoing refurbishment. The After-School Centre, which serves as the national hub for boxing and wrestling, under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, is being upgraded.
“The Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund is being renovated, including track and facility repairs. Most notably, the Windhoek Municipal Swimming Pool is being fitted with a heating system and upgraded to World Aquatics (FINA) standards, laying the foundation for Namibia to host international aquatic events in future,” she said.
The Games will also serve as preparation for Team Namibia ahead of the Africa School Sports Games, to be held from July to August; the African Youth Games and ultimately, the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
Furthermore, the games will serve as a platform for the identification of elite athletes for the government’s long-term talent development initiative: “The road to 2028 Los Angeles and beyond”.
Steenkamp added that this programme is aimed at ensuring Namibia secures Olympic podium finishes starting from 2028, “and that we build on the historic successes of our Paralympic athletes, particularly those seen at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
“The games are not merely a sporting event but they are also a strategic investment in our youth, infrastructure, and national pride. They represent our country’s commitment to regional solidarity, talent development, and a vision for international competitiveness in sport,” she added.
Speaking at a press conference at the Movenpick Hotel in Windhoek yesterday, Dr Ndeulipula Hamutumwa, chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, expressed the nation’s readiness and enthusiasm.
“Almost 85% of the accredited countries have arrived at the Games Village at the University of Namibia. They have been arriving in good spirits, ready to compete,” he said.
Hamutumwa highlighted Namibia’s commitment, noting the substantial investment by the Namibian government to ensure the Games’ success.
He provided key details about the upcoming events, stating that the official opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday at 18h00 at the Independence Stadium.
Stanley Mutoya, Chairperson of the Regional Organising Committee and Chief Executive Officer of AUSC Region 5, acknowledged the tight turnaround for Namibia in hosting these Games.
He commended Namibia for pulling off a spectacular feat by organising the event in a mere four months, a process that typically takes about 36 months. -lmupetami@ nepc.com.na
A total of 2 022 athletes and officials have been confirmed by the following countries:
Namibia: 314
Angola: 226
Botswana: 259
Eswatini: 107
Lesotho: 94
Malawi: 236
Mozambique: 77
South Africa: 269
Zambia: 163
Zimbabwe: 277