The revived United Nations (UN) Africa Games will see 10 countries fighting for honours at Swakopmund’s Vineta Sport Complex this weekend.
The 13th edition of the games will feature host nation Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Sudan, Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe
Speaking to Desert Radio recently event organiser Netumbo Mathilde Aukongo said the visiting teams have already arrived to compete in athletics, basketball, chess, darts, golf, football, netball, swimming, tennis and volleyball.
“The games aim at fostering staff well-being, networking and socialising among UN staff and their dependents,” Aukongo said.
“We are really trying to embrace more sport codes so that everyone is involved, both young and old, to uphold body fitness and mental health.
“We have other games known as the UN International Agencies Games in Europe. However, it’s very difficult for African countries to be part of the European games because it’s too costly.”
In 2014, Namibia hosted the annual competition in Windhoek. However, due to Covid-19, the last games were held in Lusaka, Zambia, in 2019.
Zambia has opted out of the competition this time around.
The Namibian team has had rigorous preparation to ensure competitiveness, with the objective to haul more medals for the team, Aukongo said.
They have set their sights on reaching the podium in the netball, volleyball, basketball and football contests.
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