The minister of sport, Agnes Tjongarero, yesterday officially sent off Namibia’s Special Olympics team as they departed for Turin, Italy, to compete in the upcoming Special Olympics Winter Games.
The tournament, set to take place from 9 to 15 this month, will see Namibia compete in floorball. The team will travel via Frankfurt, Germany, before connecting to Italy.
Speaking at the send-off ceremony held at the ministry of sport offices, the head of the delegation Lewen Smit, emphasised the importance of this opportunity for the athletes to showcase their talent on an international stage.
“This is a proud moment for us. Our athletes have trained hard and this platform allows them to express themselves. We are pleased with the inclusivity,” she said.
Smit expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform well, stating that the squad consists of experienced players who have undergone months of intense preparation. “We will go out there, compete at our best and bring medals home to make Namibia proud,” she added.
Meanwhile, Tjongarero highlighted the significance of the competition for the athletes, urging them to represent Namibia with pride and determination. “This moment is not just about sport; it is about resilience, determination and the unbreakable spirit of our Namibian athletes, who are about to showcase their talent on the world stage,” she said.
“You are more than just athletes, you are ambassadors of hope, perseverance, and excellence. As you embark on this journey, remember that you carry the hopes and dreams of an entire nation. Your hard work, dedication and discipline have brought you to this moment, and no matter the outcome, you have already made Namibia proud,” she added.
The Namibian government, through the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service, allocated N$403 800 to support the delegation, ensuring the athletes have the necessary resources to compete at the highest level.
Adding his two cents, Freddy Mwiya, Chief Administrator of the Namibia Sports Commission, expressed his excitement about the team’s participation. This is huge for the boys, and I hope this will give them the much-needed exposure to hone their talent,” Mwiya said.
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na