By Maria David
Maria David
DEPUTY Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti has called upon Namibian athletes to embrace their role as ambassadors for the nation as they prepare to compete in the upcoming Region 5 Games.
Ballotti made these remarks during the official send-off ceremony for the athletes on Wednesday.
Ballotti emphasised that each time the athletes compete, whether on the field, track, court, or in the ring, they represent not only themselves but also the entirety of Namibia.
鈥淵our discipline, your integrity, your sportsmanship, and your courage speak volumes about who we are as a nation,鈥 he said.
He further urged the athletes to remember the hopes and dreams of every Namibian child who believes in the possibility of greatness when they don the national colours.
Ballotti assured the team of the nation鈥檚 unwavering support, saying, 鈥淵ou are not alone; the entire nation is standing behind you, cheering, praying, and celebrating your journey.鈥
Acknowledging their dedication, Ballotti told the athletes that they have already won by making it this far, and they should go forward and give it their all.
鈥淧ush your limits. Respect your opponents. Honour your team. Embrace the challenge,鈥 he added.
Above all, he encouraged them to savour the experience, indicating that these moments of representing their country, bonding with teammates, and growing through competition will shape both their careers and their character.
The AUSC Region 5 Youth Games are set to host approximately 2,552 athletes and officials from 10 Southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Participants will compete in 12 diverse sports codes, including football, netball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, basketball, and boxing.