Region 5 Games preparations are on track Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia is ready to host the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, scheduled for 4 July 2025 in Windhoek and Swakopmund.  This was confirmed by Ndeulipula Hamutumwa, chairperson of the local organising committee. Speaking on Wednesday, Hamutumwa said Namibia accepted the task on short notice after Mozambique withdrew.  He said preparations are going well and the country is on track to deliver a successful event. He said major upgrades have been made to the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium and the University of Namibia (Unam) in Windhoek, as well as the Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund.  These renovations are meant to ensure good conditions for the athletes. “A key highlight of the pre-Games activities has been the highly successful local torch tour, which has captivated communities across the nation. The tour commenced with a coastal tour to Swakopmund in the Erongo Region on Saturday, the 21st of June 2025, igniting enthusiasm among residents. It then proceeded to the northern parts of Namibia, where it was warmly received by the Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omusati, and Kunene Regions in Oshakati on Monday, June 23, 2025,” he said. He said the torch then travelled on 25 June to Rundu, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa, and the two Kavango regions. Residents were able to see the games’ mascot, Rhino, and meet top Namibian athletes from those areas.  The torch was then taken to Gobabis in the Omaheke Region, and it will be in Keetmanshoop on 27 June before arriving in Windhoek on 29 June. “The torch relay has featured inspiring participation from former Region 5 athletes, including both able-bodied and para-athletes, celebrating the spirit of sport and unity. During the torch tour, officials have consistently expressed their excitement and confidence. This sentiment was echoed by the Omaheke Regional Councillor in Gobabis,” he said. “Everything is going according to plan. We are confident in delivering a truly exceptional event for all participating nations. We are calling upon 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. These kids will make friends for life during these games; hence, we must support them,” said Hamutumwa. He said the Region 5 Youth Games will be a celebration of sport, culture, and unity.  Namibia is ready to welcome athletes and officials from across the Southern Africa Development Community region and to show its ability to host a major international sporting event.

#Region5Games #YouthSports #Namibia2025 #AUSCGames #SportsPreparation

38 Unam students affected by hostel move for AUSC games Allexer Namundjebo  The University of Namibia (UNAM) says only 38 students will be temporarily relocated from its hostel to make way for the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games. Namibia will be hosting the games, which are scheduled for 4 to 13 July.  On Monday, the university responded to growing concern among students and student leaders about a reported directive requiring some hostel residents to vacate their rooms ahead of the games. Unam spokesperson Simon Namesho said the university is not evicting students but relocating a small number to allow for renovations and to accommodate more than 2,200 athletes and officials.  “This forms part of Namibia’s national commitment as host of this significant continental sporting event,” said Namesho. “No student will be left without accommodation,” he stressed. The university confirmed that this decision affects 38 out of the 1,525 hostel residents.  Namesho clarified that the university made the decision with full awareness of the academic calendar.  Students who are still writing exams will be moved to alternative accommodation.  The university will provide transport, meals, WiFi, and security.  Storage has been arranged for students’ belongings.  UNAM has engaged with student leaders and has started direct talks with affected students at the Main and Khomasdal campuses. “The planned renovations are not just for the games,” said Namesho.  “They are a strategic investment that will significantly improve student accommodation and campus infrastructure in the long term.” On Sunday, the Student Representative Council (SRC) submitted a petition to Ellen Ndeshi Namhila, UNAM’s acting vice chancellor.  The petition rejected the relocation order and called for its reversal.  “The SRC writes to categorically reject the university’s instruction that all hostel residents vacate their rooms by Wednesday, 11 June or Friday, 13 June,” the petition reads.  “This is not a proposal but an imperative, and it runs counter to the contractual understanding under which students paid for accommodation through the examination period.” The SRC acknowledged the importance of the games but criticised their timing.  They said the order comes during a critical exam period and that many students, especially those from remote areas and international students, have no alternatives.  The petition also raised mental health concerns, citing incidents of anxiety, sleeplessness, and panic attacks.  “This assault on their mental health is intolerable, and we therefore demand the immediate rescission of the vacate order.” The Namibia National Student Organisation (Nanso) supported the SRC’s stance.  The National African Students Association (Nasa) also condemned the relocation.

#UNAM #AUSCGames #Namibia #StudentLife #YouthGames

Region 5 Games preparations advance significantly  The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 11th edition of the AUSC Region 5 Games has reported substantial progress following a highly productive seven-day meeting held in Windhoek.  The gathering, which concluded on Tuesday, brought together key stakeholders including representatives from the Regional Organising Committee, general team managers, delegates from the Confederation International, and chefs de mission from all ten participating nations. Discussions over the past week centred on the meticulous planning and organisation required to host the prestigious youth games, scheduled to take place in Windhoek from 4 to 13 July 2025. Delegates also undertook site visits to the facilities in Swakopmund, which will serve as venues for swimming and athletics.  A highlight of the week was Sunday’s official team sports draw, which generated considerable anticipation for the upcoming competitions in basketball, netball, football, and both beach and indoor volleyball. On the final day, the LOC presented a comprehensive update on their preparations, complemented by reports from the confederations on the readiness of their respective sporting codes. The chefs de mission conveyed their satisfaction with the overall progress achieved. Dr Ndeulipula Hamutumwa, chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, stated: “The visit of the chefs de mission was invaluable. Following productive site visits and the commitments we secured for necessary upgrades, I am pleased to confirm the competition venues. Furthermore, we are delighted to announce the confirmed locations for the Games Villages in both Windhoek and Swakopmund, ensuring optimal comfort and convenience for all participating delegations.” Hamutumwa further emphasized the LOC’s commitment to open communication: “I want to personally assure all chefs de mission that my door, and that of the Games General Manager, is always open. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time, along with your respective cluster heads. We are here to provide our full support.” Namibia is expressing its enthusiasm for hosting the event. “Namibia is incredibly proud to host the largest youth multi-sport games in the SADC region,” Hamutumwa remarked. “We have a strong history of successfully hosting significant events, and we are deeply honoured to welcome the AUSC Region 5 Games.” In a significant development, the 11th edition of the Games will embrace inclusivity by including Special Olympics athletes for the first time. “Inclusivity is a core value for these Games and for Namibia,” Hamutumwa affirmed. “This marks a significant and positive step forward, and we strongly encourage all participating governments to prioritise and support gender balance and equal opportunities for all our talented young athletes, including those with special needs.” Hamutumwa also acknowledged the crucial role of the Regional Organising Committee: “I extend my sincere appreciation to the Regional Organising Committee, especially the chair, Stanley Mutoya, for their invaluable guidance and support. We will continue to work closely with them to ensure the successful delivery of these Games.” Hamutumwa extended well wishes to the departing delegations: “On behalf of the entire Local Organising Committee and our dedicated volunteers, I wish all visiting delegations a safe journey back home. We remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring an exceptional and successful 11th edition of the AUSC Region 5 Games.” The post Region 5 Games preparations advance significantly  appeared first on The Namibian.

#Region5Games #AUSCGames #Windhoek2025 #YouthSports #Athletics