Namibia’s 12-member Youth Olympic team officially received the national flag and national colours at a send-off ceremony at State House on Thursday, ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal from 31 October to 13 November.
The Games will make history as the first Olympic sporting event hosted on African soil, bringing together young athletes from across the world. Namibia will compete in seven sporting codes: athletics, beach volleyball, beach wrestling, boxing, cycling, swimming and triathlon.
During the ceremony, recognition was given to the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC), led by president Dr Hamutumwa and chief executive officer Anri Parker, as well as the Namibia Sports Commission, for their role in preparing and supporting the national team. Parker was recently nominated for Sports Administrator of the Year at the upcoming National Sports Awards.
In accordance with the Sport Act of 2003 and national procedures governing the awarding of national colours, Team Namibia was officially recognised to represent the country at the Games. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the young athletes to wear the national colours with pride, compete courageously and uphold the values of discipline, respect and sportsmanship.
“The size of our population should never determine the size of our ambition,” she said, encouraging the athletes to embrace the opportunity to learn, grow and compete against international opposition. She added that success should not be measured by medals alone, but also by the character the athletes display and the inspiration they provide to future generations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah wished the team safe travels and success, assuring the athletes of the nation’s support as they prepare to represent Namibia on the international stage.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture Dino Ballotti described sport as a strategic investment in national development, calling for stronger partnerships among government, sporting organisations, schools, communities and the private sector to identify talent and expand opportunities for young athletes.
Team Namibia flag bearer Roselinda Matyayi pledged, on behalf of the delegation, that the athletes would compete fairly and serve as positive ambassadors for Namibia both on and off the field of play.
“We carry our flag with pride, our dreams with determination and Namibia in our hearts. This is our promise to our nation,” Matyayi said.
By Rudi Bowe
