The African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games present a key opportunity for Namibia to upgrade its sport infrastructure, minister of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture Sanet Steenkamp said on Tuesday.
Speaking in the National Assembly, Steenkamp outlined that various sport venues in Windhoek and at Swakopmund are undergoing renovations to meet the preferable standards to host the AUSC Youth Games.
“These events have presented a unique opportunity to enhance Namibia’s sport infrastructure,” Steenkamp said.
She highlighted that several previously non-functional sport facilities and a kitchen at the University of Namibia are undergoing renovation to full capacity.
Vineta Stadium at Swakopmund is being improved, which includes track and facility repairs.
Steenkamp said the Windhoek municipal swimming pool is being fitted with a heating system and upgraded to World Aquatics standards to allow the country to host international aquatic events in future.
The games are scheduled to take place in Windhoek and Swakopmund from 4 to 13 July and will host about 2 022 athletes and officials from 10 countries – Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Steenkamp said the Region 5 Youth Games will serve as preparation for Team Namibia for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
