Youth games part of Namibia’s road to LA 2028 Olympics Erasmus Shalihaxwe Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture, Dino Ballotti, says upcoming African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games will serve as platform to prepare athletes for the 2028 Olympic Games. Ballotti made the announcement in Parliament on Tuesday while providing an update on Namibia’s readiness for the youth games, which start Friday in Windhoek and Swakopmund. He said the games will help identify elite athletes for the government’s long-term talent development programme and prepare them for international events, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.  The preparation programme is called “The Road to 2028 Los Angeles & Beyond”. “The 2025 AUSC Region 5 Youth Games will also serve as preparation for team Namibia ahead of the Africa School Sports Games, to be held later in July–August 2025, the African Youth Games and ultimately, the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. This programme is aimed at ensuring that Namibia secures Olympic podium finishes starting from 2028 and that we build on the historic successes of our Paralympic athletes, particularly those seen at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games,” he said. Ballotti said the games are not only a sporting event but a strategic investment in youth, infrastructure, and national pride.  He said they show Namibia’s commitment to regional unity, talent development, and a plan to compete internationally. He said the games also present a chance to upgrade sports facilities across the country. “The University of Namibia (UNAM) main campus kitchen, which was non-functional due to damaged equipment, is now being restored to full capacity.  Several dilapidated sports facilities at UNAM are also undergoing refurbishment,” he said. He added that the after school centre, which serves as the national hub for boxing and wrestling under the ministry of gender equality and child welfare, is being upgraded.  The Vineta Stadium in Swakopmund is also being improved, with track and facility repairs. “Most notably, the Windhoek municipal swimming pool is being fitted with a heating system and upgraded to World Aquatics (FINA) standards, laying the foundation for Namibia to host international aquatic events in future,” said Ballotti. A total of 2 022 athletes and officials from different SADC countries are expected to arrive in the country for the games.

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AUSC Region 5 Team Dominates Khomas Championships [New Era] Zidane CJ Gawaseb, coach of Team Namibia's African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 track and field squad, stated that the Khomas National Championship was a vital event as the team intensifies its preparations for the upcoming games.

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AUSC Region 5 Youth Games’ LOC rallies city support Justicia Shipena The General Manager of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, Jacqueline Gertze, says the City of Windhoek will play a key role in the success of the event. Gertze said the city’s support with transport, emergency services, safety, waste management, and environmental health is vital to delivering a world-class Games. She made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Windhoek, Ndeshihafela Larandja, on Thursday.  The LOC updated the mayor on preparations for the 11th edition of the Region 5 Youth Games, which will take place from 4 to 13 July 2025 in Windhoek. The Games will host 2,552 athletes and officials from 10 Southern African countries.  Competitions will take place in 12 sports codes, including football, netball, volleyball, swimming, tennis, basketball, and boxing. Mayor Larandja welcomed the LOC and assured them of the city’s full support.  She said Windhoek is ready to help deliver an event that the capital and the region can be proud of. Meanwhile, AUSC Region 5 held a classification workshop for visually impaired athletes this week in Gaborone, Botswana.  The workshop trained optometrists and technical officials as the region steps up preparations for the Games in Namibia. Led by Ugandan classification specialist Joseph Sebwana, the workshop focused on fair and evidence-based classification of visually impaired athletes. “We’ve taken a major step forward in levelling the playing field,” said Sebwana. “This workshop wasn’t just about technical standards; it was about recognising talent, ensuring fair representation, and building systems that respect every athlete’s right to compete.” Participants shared knowledge and aligned on assessment protocols.  They engaged in practical sessions and exchanged best practices. “We covered key areas from athlete identification to assessment protocols,” Sebwana said. “The enthusiasm and professionalism from participants show that this region is ready to lead on inclusion.” The workshop took place ahead of the Final Entry by Name (FEN) deadline on 30 April 2025, marking an important step in technical preparations for the Games. AUSC Region 5 CEO Stanley Mutoya praised the effort. “This is how we ensure no athlete is left behind. We’re proud to build capacity that enables all athletes, regardless of ability, to compete on fair and empowering terms.” The workshop forms part of Region 5’s wider inclusion strategy.  This year’s Games will, for the first time, feature Special Olympics competitions.  An inter-ministerial forum on inclusion will also take place during the games to align government policy on disability and sport across the region.

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Malawi Paralympic Committee President Chiutsi visits Namibia Malawi Paralympic Committee President Chiutsi visits Namibia Sport Mon, 04/14/2025 - 12:34

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CoW gears up for AUSC Region 5 Youth Games Erasmus Shalihaxwe The City of Windhoek (CoW) is preparing to host the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games in July 2025, with organisers ensuring that all stadiums and training venues will be ready in time for the event. Ndeulipulua Hamutumwa, Chairperson of the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games Organising Committee, said on Wednesday that Namibia is on track with preparations to welcome more than 2,500 athletes and officials from 10 countries. The games will take place from 4 to 13 July 2025. Participating countries include Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Athletes will compete in 13 sporting disciplines, including athletics, basketball, boxing, e-sports, football, judo, karate, netball, Special Olympics, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball. Hamutumwa acknowledged the challenges that come with hosting a multi-sport event within a limited preparation period but said significant progress has been made. “Our facility renovations are well underway, as we are ensuring that each venue meets the highest international standards. From stadiums to training facilities, our teams are working tirelessly to complete the necessary upgrades. I want to assure you that all key venues will be ready to welcome athletes and spectators when the Games begin,” he said. He added that clear timelines have been set for the completion of renovations, with inspections scheduled before the opening ceremony. “I am pleased to confirm that the University of Namibia will serve as the Games Village, providing a safe and comfortable environment for all participating teams. Despite the date change, our organising team has efficiently managed the adjustments to ensure that all arrangements remain on track. Security remains a top priority, and we will be working closely with law enforcement agencies to create a safe and well-coordinated environment for athletes, officials, and spectators,” Hamutumwa said.

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