//Kharas governor Aletha Frederick says the world of sports offers a wide range of career opportunities beyond just being an athlete, such as coaching, sports management, sports medicine and sports journalism, among others. 

Frederick made these remarks at the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games domestic torch tour at Keetmanshoop last week. 

She said sports can open doors to a variety of career paths and young people should be inspired to explore such opportunities and to see sports not just as a hobby, but as a potential career path too. 

“By actively participating in sports, our youth not only develop their physical skills but also gain valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership and discipline,” she said. 

The governor said the government is f irmly committed to investing in the youth, recognising that they are the future of the nation. She added that this commitment is reflected in various initiatives aimed at providing young people with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed. 

Frederick said the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games are a golden opportunity for the Namibian youth, as they provides a stage for them to shine, to compete against the best in the southern Africa region, and to gain valuable experience that can propel them to greater heights in their sporting careers. 

“These games are more than just sporting events, they are a celebration of youth, a testament to the power of sport in uniting nations, and a catalyst for personal and community development.” 

They provide invaluable opportunities for young people to develop their athl e tic ski l ls, build character, learn teamwork, and experience the thrill of international competition, she added. 

The governor said the domestic torch tour is a vital component of the lead-up to the games noting: “Its purpose is to ignite excitement, foster national unity, and engage communities across the country and the torch symbolises hope, inspiration, and the spirit of competition.” 

The youth games will take place in Windhoek and Swakopmund from 04 to 13 July with athletes from southern African countries participating in 12 different sports codes. -Nampa