Staff Reporter
VICE President Lucia Witbooi has welcomed Namibia’s Special Olympics Unified Gladiators home following their historic gold medal victory at the 2026 Special Olympics Unified Soccer World Cup in Paris, France.
Speaking at a welcome reception held at the Old State House in Windhoek, Witbooi praised the team for becoming the first Namibian side to win gold at the Special Olympics Unified Soccer World Cup, describing the achievement as a moment of national pride.
“Today, we celebrate more than a gold medal. We celebrate courage, determination, resilience and the triumph of these incredible daughters of the Namibian soil, who carried our national flag with pride and came out victorious on the greatest sporting stage,” she said.
Photos: Vice President of Namibia (Facebook)
On behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Government and the people of Namibia, Witbooi congratulated the athletes, coaches, unified partners, sponsors, officials and families who contributed to the team’s success.
She said the victory demonstrated Namibia’s talent, perseverance and commitment to sporting excellence, adding that the achievement aligned with the Government’s decision to prioritise sport as a tool for unity, healthy communities and national development.
“The 8th Administration has declared sport as one of the key priority areas because we recognise the power of sport to unite our people, improve lives, promote healthy communities and contribute to national pride and development,” Witbooi said.
She added that Government remained committed to investing in sporting infrastructure, coaches and athletes to ensure that achievements such as the Unified Gladiators’ victory become part of a sustained movement.
Witbooi also highlighted the importance of the Unified Sports model, saying it demonstrated that inclusion should be practised through equal participation of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities.
“When athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete together as equals, they demonstrate that our differences should never limit our potential. Instead, they become our greatest strength,” she said.
She encouraged the champions to continue serving as ambassadors for Namibian sport, inclusion and unity, saying their achievement would inspire future generations of athletes.
“Your legacy is not just the medals you bring back, but the inspiration you have aroused in many young people across our country,” Witbooi said.
The Vice President concluded by congratulating the team and thanking them for bringing pride to Namibia through their historic performance.
