BOOST: The recently held youth games stimulated the Oshana Region’s economy. PHOTO: FILE
BOOST: The recently held youth games stimulated the Oshana Region’s economy. PHOTO: FILE

Youth games boost Oshana economy – Irimari

• Honing sporting talent
Kenya Kambowe
Oshana governor Elia Irimari says the recently concluded Namibia Youth Games, which attracted thousands of athletes and various stakeholders, have provided an economic boost in the region.

Irimari made the remark during the official opening of the games last Thursday.

The games took place at the sports facilities in Oshakati, Ondangwa and Ongwediva and concluded on Sunday.

“I want to express our deepest appreciation to the ministry of sport, youth and national services for their commitment to promoting youth sports and their invaluable support in making this edition of the Namibia Youth Games a reality,” the governor said.

“These games do not only represent an important opportunity for our young athletes to compete and excel, but they also bring significant economic benefits to the Oshana Region.

“The influx of visitors, participants and officials helps stimulate local businesses, create jobs, and enhance the overall economic vitality of our community,” Irimari said.

Youth and sports minister Agnes Tjongarero said apart from bringing athletes together to compete, the region benefits from such an occasion.

“With over 2 100 participants and 600 officials, this third edition of the Namibia Youth Games brings together not only our nation’s sporting talents but also delivers significant economic benefits to the Oshana region,” Tjongarero said.



Do better

The third edition of the games was held under the theme 'Road to Los Angeles 2028 and Beyond'.

Tjongarero said the ministry has taken note of concerns regarding Namibia being represented by only four athletes at the Paris Olympics and called on various stakeholders to work together to increase that number.

“This number is far from what we anticipated. It is clear that the way sports are managed in our country requires change," she said.

“We must ensure that technically skilled individuals are appointed to our sports federations. The directorate of sport, the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC), the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) and the National Paralympic Committee (NNPC) must work in harmony, ensuring that sports development reaches every corner of our nation and that our talented youth are given the best possible support to thrive.”

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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