Mozambique to host next Region 5 Youth Games

African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 chief executive officer Stanley Mutoya announced on Friday that the next Region 5 Youth Games will be held in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo.He made the remarks at the official launch of the Region 5 Youth Games held at Windhoek’s Hage Geingob Stadium, with the event scheduled for 4 to 13 July in the capital and Swakopmund.Mozambique was initially meant to host the Games last year but withdrew due to reported adverse weather conditions. Hence, the official name of the 11th edition of the Games still holds the 2024 branding.The Games’ history spans two decades, starting with the first edition in Mozambique’s Maputo in 2004, with Windhoek hosting the second edition in 2006, South Africa’s Potchefstroom in 2008, Swaziland’s Manzini (now Eswatini) in 2010, Zambia’s Lusaka (2012), Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo (2014), Angola’s Luanda (2016), Botswana’s Gaborone in 2018, Lesotho’s Maseru in 2021 and the last 10th edition in Malawi’s Lilongwe in 2022.“[It now] comes around back for the second time in Namibia, and from here, the road takes us to Maputo [Mozambique] in 2026. It takes us to South Africa in 2028, we are back to Manzini in 2030 and again in Lusaka, Zambia in 2032,” Mutoya said.Creating opportunities for all abilitiesHe said the Games promise to unite more than 2 500 athletes from 10 member countries. “[We expect athletes] from Windhoek to Swakopmund, from village to elite arenas,” he said.Mutoya indicated that the AUSC aims to gather talent along the way and identify areas that bring opportunities for young people, especially people with disabilities.“[We aim to] shape character and ignite dreams in the 177 million people of our region of Southern Africa. Let us rally behind these games with one heart, one goal and one vision. This is where tomorrow’s Olympians and future leaders and change-makers begin their journey,” he said.Speaking at the occasion, Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) president and AUSC local organising committee chairperson Dr Ndeulipula Hamutumwa said the Games are a vibrant testament to the deep-rooted understanding of Africa’s shared humanity, culture and destiny.“These Games represent our aspiration and spirit of one people, one nation. For Namibia, this launch signifies a crucial dip and a sense of demonstration of our dedication and capability to host significant sports events,” Hamutumwa said.In his keynote address, deputy sports minister Dino Ballotti echoed the sentiments of sports minister Sanet Steenkamp: “The significant two-thirds increase allocated to the national sports budget for the financial year [is because she believes] spending in sports and education is not merely an expenditure - it is a strategic investment in the fabric of our future.”Be resilient like the rhinoThe African Union Sports Council coordinator Dr Decius Hikabwa Chipande reaffirmed the AUSC’s commitment to support Namibia and all member countries to ensure the success of the Games.“As we unveil the Games theme, mascot, theme song, Games torch and official logo today, may this moment symbolise a beacon of hope and a rallying point for cooperation, innovation and continental pride.“Let us continue to champion the cause of youth empowerment through sports. Together, we can harness the power of sport to shape not only champions but also change-makers and future leaders of our beautiful continent, Africa,” said Chipande.The Region 5 Youth Games mascot, the Rhino, highlights conservation in Namibia and symbolises the issue of rhino poaching, as they are reported to remain at risk of being poached every 15 hours. It thus serves as a beacon to encourage athletes to be brave, strong and unstoppable - just like the rhino.- mariud@nsh.com.na

Mozambique to host next Region 5 Youth Games

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Mozambique to host next Region 5 Youth Games

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