President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stated that sport is not merely a leisure activity but a powerful engine of socio-economic growth.
She said that it builds critical infrastructure, creates new industries and ensures a healthier and more productive workforce.
The President made these remarks during the official opening of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games at the Independence Stadium on Friday.
“Games are far more than just a competition. They are a profound testament to our shared belief in the power of sport to transform lives and build nations,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah added that sport, in its purest form, teaches discipline, teamwork, perseverance and the grace of both victory and 4 defeat.
It is a vital school of life that moulds not just athletes but responsible, resilient citizens.
“By investing in platforms like this, we are investing in the health, well-being and aspirational spirit of our region, our continent and humankind,” said the Head of State.
She added: “That is why in Namibia, we have proudly declared sports as a critical sector, second only to agriculture, in our national developmental agenda. Just as agriculture nourishes our bodies, sport nourishes our souls, fosters healthy lifestyles, and generates immense economic opportunities”.
She reminisced about the pride that Namibian stars like Christine Mboma have instilled in the nation.
Mboma set the Region 5 Games alight with her blistering speed before going on to win a historic 200 metres silver medal at the Olympics.
“Alongside Mboma, we also remember other luminaries from our Region 5 family, who began their journeys right here, on similar regional platforms, dreaming big and working tirelessly. You, the young athletes before me today, are the next generation of heroes. This is your stepping stone. This is your moment to shine and inspire,” stated Nandi-Ndaitwah.
She said, in Namibia, people celebrate the legendary Frank Fredericks, Helalia Johannes, Johanna Benson, Jonas Junias, Ananias Shikongo, Lahja Ishitile and so many others, who have graced global stages and won accolades for Namibia at the Olympics and Paralympic Games.
“Their participation and achievements are some of the factors that encouraged our government to commit to invest in sport as a key and critical success factor for socio-economic advancement, peace and unity,” added the President.
In her maiden speech in April, she said her administration will work towards the professionalisation of sport codes, targeted investment promotion and sport infrastructure development.
Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that the sport industry includes research and development, talent management, construction and marketing, creating many new business opportunities and stimulating job creation.
“We should move away from looking at sport as recreation and entertainment only. We must regard sport as an avenue that should be harnessed to create sustainable livelihoods and generate wealth, especially for youth,” she stated.
Sport minister Sanet Steenkamp said AUSC serves as the sport development arm of the AU.
“Much like the AU’s political structure, where Namibia is part of the Southern African Development Community, the AUSC divides the continent into five regional zones for sport development and competition,” she said.
Steenkamp stated that 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’.
The programme is aimed at ensuring that Namibia secures Olympic podium finishes starting from 2028.