The country is fully prepared to host the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, which start from 4 to 13 July in Windhoek and Swakopmund.
This was announced by Ndeulipula Hamutumwa, chairperson of the local organising committee, in a statement this week.
The biennial multi-sport event brings together athletes under 20 from ten Southern African Development Community nations: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Disciplines include athletics, basketball, boxing, football, judo, karate, netball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball.
Despite taking on hosting duties at short notice following Mozambique’s withdrawal, Namibia has demonstrated remarkable dedication and efficiency, with all preparations on track, Hamutumwa said.
“Everything is going according to plan. We are confident in delivering a truly exceptional event for all participating nations,” he added.
According to Hamutumwa, significant renovations have transformed the host venues, including the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium and the University of Namibia in Windhoek, as well as the Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund.
“These venues have undergone extensive upgrades, ensuring optimal conditions for the participating athletes. These enhancements underscore Namibia’s commitment to delivering a memorable and high-standard sporting spectacle,” he added.
The AUSC Region 5 Youth Games are a vital component of the broader African sports development agenda, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which focuses on youth empowerment, health, and regional integration through sport.
Hamutumwa called on Namibians to come in huge numbers and cheer both local and international athletes as they test their prowess against each other in a sporting spirit.
The games are hosted on a rotating basis among member states, and this will be Namibia’s second time hosting the event, the first being in 2006.