President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially handed over the national flag to Team Namibia’s 12 athletes ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, urging them to represent the country with pride, discipline and courage.
Speaking at the official flag handover ceremony at State House in Windhoek on Thursday, the president described the Games as a historic moment, as Africa prepares to host an Olympic sporting event on its soil for the first time.
The Games will take place in Dakar, Senegal, from 31 October to 13 November, bringing together approximately 2 700 young athletes from more than 200 delegations.
Namibia’s team will compete in seven sporting codes: athletics, beach volleyball, beach wrestling, boxing, cycling, swimming and triathlon.
Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded the athletes that their contribution to the country should not be measured by medals alone, but also by their conduct and the lessons they gain from international competition.
“Your value to Namibia will not be determined only by the medals you bring home,” she said, encouraging the young athletes to challenge themselves while remaining disciplined, respectful and resilient.
She urged them to learn from their competitors and coaches, build friendships and return home as better athletes and young Namibians.
“You are history makers,” she said, adding that the country would be behind them regardless of whether they return with medals, personal bests or valuable lessons.
Deputy minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Dino Ballotti, speaking on behalf of minister Sanet Steenkamp, also encouraged the athletes to recognise the responsibility that comes with representing Namibia.
He said talent alone was not enough, stressing the importance of hard work and determination.
Ballotti described sport as a strategic investment rather than merely entertainment, noting its potential to contribute to education, employment and national development.
He called for greater collaboration between government, sports bodies, schools, communities, and the private sector to strengthen the country’s sporting system and create more opportunities for young athletes.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be the first Olympic sporting event hosted in Africa, giving the Namibian athletes an opportunity to compete on a historic continental stage.
