The Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service, Agnes Tjongarero, says Namibian sports officials and leaders have failed athletes, when it comes to the number of participants at Olympics and Paralympics events.

Tjongarero was speaking during the official opening of the third edition of the National Youth Games at Oshakati last week.

The minister said sports officials only think of themselves and not the athletes. “It is clear the way sport management is handled in this country needs to change if we are to thrive when it comes to sport,” she said.

Tjongarero urged the Directorate of
Sport, the Namibia Sports
Commission, and the Olympic and Paralympic Committees to work together to ensure sports development reaches every corner of the country and that the youth are given the best support to thrive.

Namibia Sports Commission chief administrator, Freddy Mwiya, meanwhile said the National Youth Games development programme was initiated to identify and nurture talent, ultimately propelling athletes towards success in their chosen codes.

“There is no other national sports event that unites all regions under more than 10 different codes, showcasing an impressive number of athletes and officials,” he
said.

Oshana governor Elia Irimari, said the games not only represent an important opportunity for young athletes to compete and excel, but also bring significant economic benefits to the region.

He said the influx of visitors, participants, and officials helps stimulate local businesses, create jobs and enhance the overall economic vitality of the community.

The games, which commenced on Wednesday and ended yesterday, are being held under the theme ‘The Road to Los Angeles 2028 and Beyond.’ Nampa