Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has received a delegation from the Namibia National Olympic Committee and the Namibia Commonwealth Games Association at State House, where discussions centred on advancing sport development and recognising Namibia’s growing role in the Olympic movement.
The delegation, led by NNOC-CGA President Ndeuliipula Hamutumwa and Vice President Gaby Ahrens, also presented the President with the Trophy for Distinguished African Leaders in Sport, awarded by Mustapha Berraf, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa.
Photos: Namibian Presidency
Speaking after the meeting, Hamutumwa said the visit was both a gesture of appreciation and recognition of government’s commitment to sport. “We came to express our gratitude to Her Excellency’s leadership in promoting sport as part of the national development agenda. The recognition by ANOCA is a testament to Namibia’s growing role in advancing sport on the continent,” he said.
Ahrens added that the award reflects the international sporting community’s acknowledgement of Namibia’s efforts. “We were honoured to present this trophy on behalf of President Berraf, who recognised the work being done by Namibia to prioritise sport as a tool for national development. It is highly regarded within the Olympic movement across Africa,” she said.
The engagement also reflected on the successful hosting of the ANOCA Zone VI General Assembly in Windhoek, which highlighted key outcomes such as the planned construction of a football pitch at the Olympafrica Centre in Omaruru. The project, supported by FIFA, the International Olympic Committee and ANOCA, aims to expand grassroots access to sport.
Discussions further emphasised the alignment of sport development initiatives with Namibia’s national priorities, particularly under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), where sport is recognised as a driver of socio-economic development, youth empowerment and nation-building.
The President commended the delegation for its work and expressed confidence in Namibia’s preparations for upcoming international competitions, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration, developing young talent and positioning Namibia to compete at the highest levels while promoting unity, inclusion and excellence in sport.
