President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged Namibia’s 12 young athletes to represent the country with pride, discipline and courage as they prepare for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal from 31 October to 13 November.
Speaking at the official flag handover ceremony at State House in Windhoek on Thursday, 15 October, Nandi-Ndaitwah described the Games as historic, marking the first time an Olympic sporting event will be hosted on African soil.
The President congratulated the selected athletes, emphasising that they would represent not only their clubs, schools and families, but the entire nation on the international stage.
“Three million Namibians will compete with you in spirit,” she said, urging the team to wear the national colours with pride and carry the flag with honour and dignity.
Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that success should not be measured by medals alone, but also by character, resilience, respect and sportsmanship. She encouraged the athletes to give their best, learn from international competitors and return home as better athletes and young Namibians.
The President urged the athletes to carry Namibia’s colours with pride, compete courageously and uphold the values of discipline, respect and sportsmanship on the international stage.
She further highlighted the role of sport in national development, noting that Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) prioritises increased participation, improved multi-sport infrastructure and the professionalisation and commercialisation of the sporting sector.
“Sport is not an extra activity on the margins of development. Sport is development,” she said, pointing to its contribution to health, education, employment, community building and opportunities for young people.
The President called for stronger partnerships between government, sporting federations, schools, families and the private sector to develop talent and build sustainable pathways from grassroots participation to high-performance sport. She also urged coaches and support staff to prioritise the athletes’ welfare, health and safety throughout the competition.
Looking ahead, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Dakar could be an important stepping stone towards future international competitions, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and the 2032 Brisbane Games.
“Go there knowing that your country believes in you,” she said, wishing Team Namibia safe travels and success as they prepare to make their mark on the international stage.
By Rudi Bowe
