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.
