The Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp, has commended Bank Windhoek for its sustained investment in sports development, describing the Bank’s support as a critical enabler of opportunity, excellence and youth empowerment in Namibia.
Speaking at the official opening of the Bank Windhoek Namibia Aquatic Sports Federation (NASFED) 2026 National Long Course Championships, which recently took place at the Olympia Swimming Pool in Windhoek, the minister highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between the private sector and sporting bodies in creating platforms where young athletes can thrive.
“I want to express our deep gratitude to Bank Windhoek, whose support brings this championship to life,” said Steenkamp, adding that the Bank’s belief in athletes creates opportunities, nurtures dreams and inspires the next generation.
The minister noted that the championships, which brought together 231 athletes from eight clubs, with a total of 1803 individual and 105 relay entries, reflect the growth and increasing competitiveness of swimming in Namibia.
She emphasised that corporate sponsorship, such as that provided by the bank, plays a vital role in ensuring that sport remains accessible, inclusive and sustainable, particularly for young people and learners balancing education with high-performance sport.
“As a nation, we are reminded that education and sport grow best when they grow together,” the minister said.
“The discipline, focus and resilience learned in the pool shape not only successful athletes, but responsible, confident citizens. Support from partners like Bank Windhoek ensures these values reach more young Namibians,” she added. Steenkamp also praised the broader contribution of sport to national development, noting that swimming continues to produce athletes who represent Namibia with pride on the African and international stage, while inspiring participation at the grassroots and school level.
She further acknowledged NASFED for its role in organising the championships and providing a professional platform where talent can be identified, developed and celebrated.
“Sport builds communities, instils pride and unites us across generations. When government, federations and sponsors work together, we create an environment where excellence is possible and where dreams can be pursued with confidence,” she said.
On her part, Bank Windhoek’s head of strategic partnerships and corporate social responsibility, Bronwyn Moody, said the bank remains committed to empowering communities through meaningful partnerships that promote youth development, education and sporting excellence.
She added that by investing in initiatives such as the NASFED National Championships, the Bank continues to play a vital role in shaping confident, disciplined and future-ready citizens.
NASFED’s president, Riaan Steyn, expressed gratitude to Bank Windhoek for its long-term, generous support of swimming in Namibia.
The Bank Windhoek NASFED 2026 National Long Course Championships, which ran over several days, featured a complete programme of individual and relay swimming events. It delivered strong performances and several new records.
Highlights included Patrick Durand’s record in the 12-and-under 1500 metre freestyle, multiple relay records in the 15 to 16 age group, and standout swimmer Oliver Durand, who won more than five individual gold medals. NASFED described the five-day event as a success.
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