She said this yesterday, while bidding farewell to the country”;s Special Olympics Unified Cup team in Windhoek.
Namibia will take their place at the global spectacle which kicks off on Sunday in Detroit, USA.
They take on a Caribbean team, Guatemala and Slovakia in Group B of the women”;s section, with their first match against Guatemala on Monday.
“It is a great honour and privilege for this young team. We are excited that SON has reached a time when athletes are participating internationally,” Garises said.
“We are sending this team off knowing that they will give us their best. They have had enough time to practice. They are ready and they are happy,” she said.
“They will be on an aeroplane for the first time. This is an opportunity given through sport, which is a tool for many opportunities for the youth. We must get more of our youth into sport.”
The Namibian team consists of Motjaritje Tjaveondja, Angeline Sihova, Kavemumuine Kambai, Unao Karipata, Uundamuje Mbaisa, Remember Uasora Mengo, Vitjituaije Master (captain), Fololian Muayolange Hikuafelua, Anna-Ida Heidi Somses, Okeri Hitjitevi Haakurua and Kristofina Benyameni.
The head coach is Eliaser Amuthitu, with assistance from retired Brave Warriors legend Silvester “;Lolo”; Goraseb.
“We want to say that for all the training we”;ve had, we”;re well prepared and want to bring the cup home,” said the team”;s co-captain Hikuafelua.
At 20, the goalkeeper is the eldest in the squad, while striker Angeline “;Jenna”; Sihova (15) is the youngest.
Meanwhile, SON national director Emilia Nzuzi said they would make the most of the opportunity to set a positive precedent for their challenge at the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.
Namibia plans to send a basketball, athletics and cycling contingent to the games.
“We really put in the hard work. It”;s a very big task for us because this team will have to pave the way for the other teams which are going to Germany next year. So, it is very important that we represent the country very well,” Nzuzi said.
When conferring national colours on the team, sport commissioner Patrick Percy Xoaxub said: “You as children of the Land of the Brave are fortunate to be part of this journey that starts today. So, go well, enjoy yourselves and represent the country with pride..
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