Special Olympics Namibia opened its 2026 National Games today at the Windhoek High School B Sports Fields.
The opening ceremony starts with a parade from the City of Windhoek at 16:30, followed by the official programme from 17:00 to 19:00.
Athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, together with unified partners from across Namibia, are competing in volleyball, basketball, soccer, athletics and tennis.
A total of 285 athletes and unified partners are taking part, compared to 144 participants in 2024.
Special Olympics Africa President Charles Nyambe spoke about the role of sport for athletes.
”So sports, as we know, provide immense value to people with intellectual disabilities, fostering one inclusion, building confidence, and promoting physical and emotional well-being. Participation in sports helps break down barriers, as we know, encourage social inclusion, and offers opportunities for personal achievement. For everyone, sports are a powerful way to nurture teamwork as well”
The event also includes 40 coaches, 40 technical officials and 35 volunteers.
Tennis has been introduced at national level for the first time.
The Games will also be used to select athletes for international events, including the Unified 7-a-side Football World Cup in Paris in July, the Region Five Athletics Competition in Mozambique in December, and the 2027 World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile.
”I really want my girls to win because I know they have the ability to do it. So, it's all about teamwork and having the love for the sport, which I really love the sport. I've been playing it for three years now and I believe that my girls, we can win it” Basketball player Robyn Owoses said.
Team mate Marco Titus said ”Usually I'm a soccer right now, but now I'm trying also basketball. Let me upgrade my sports. Very nice. Yeah. My mom told me I must try every sport where the coaches tell me I must do”
Special Olympics Namibia thanked its sponsors and partners, including Special Olympics International, the Social Security Commission of Namibia, the National Disability Council of Namibia, Bokomo Namibia, and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture.
The National Games are held every two years in Namibia.