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City mayor demands stronger promotion for Youth Games

• 3 Hours Ago

Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja has urged more effective marketing of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, which the country will host in Windhoek and Swakopmund this July.

Her remarks follow Namibia’s recent hosting of the Cosafa Under-17 Girls Championship, which she criticised for poor publicity and a low local turnout.

Larandja made the remarks on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Games organisers. The local organising committee (LOC) visited the mayor to brief her on the Games’ operations and explore how the City can assist with logistics.

“I was very disappointed with the poor attendance at the girls’ championships. Perhaps it was due to the distance, as it was held at Hage Geingob Stadium, [which is far from where most people are located in Katutura].

“We as a community could have done more to assist with transportation, but I believe the marketing was poorly done. Not everyone was even aware that such games were taking place,” she said.

‘I will not take your request lightly’

She stressed that she does not want a repeat of the situation where neighbouring countries have a bigger audience than the home crowd.

“I will therefore ensure the LOC’s requests to the City are channelled to the relevant departments and prioritised, [so we can host a memorable Youth Games]. We will make sure things are not done at the eleventh hour.

“The City has always provided these voluntary services, and we will ensure everything is in order for this tournament. Of course, where it is not possible to assist, we will let you know, as we must uphold the great image of the institution and avoid creating any doubt,” she said.

The mayor further assured that she would take the LOC’s requests seriously and would discuss them with her team to ensure that businesses are made aware of the Games. She also encouraged businesses to consider extending trading hours and exploring additional ventures to grow both their enterprises and the broader economy.

Give tourists a reason to return

Larandja advised the LOC to draw inspiration from other countries by implementing an initiative that is uniquely Namibian for the tournament.

“We are going to be visited by fellow African countries in the [Southern African Development Community] SADC region. Many of these countries have unique, locally designed products that reflect their culture and identity. We should aim to do the same for Namibia. Perhaps we can showcase our diverse cultural activities to add more excitement to the Games.”

Larandja noted that the Games will place Namibia on the map and urged the LOC to be ready to present the country’s identity to visitors and give tourists a reason to return.

Earlier this month, sports minister Sanet Steenkamp revealed that N$127.5 million has been allocated for the hosting of the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games.

“Included in the amount is the upgrading of competition and training venues, the Games Village, transportation, marketing, procurement of sports equipment and sports results management systems,” Steenkamp said.

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