Maria David THE 12th edition of the Ruacana Annual Easter Tournament will not only showcase local sporting talent but also further establish the town as a vibrant sporting hub. Speaking during the official opening, Ruacana Mayor Linda Mbwale said that beyond the competition, the tournament aims to elevate various sports codes to national prominence, fostering their development and creating opportunities for young players, officials, and administrators. The tournament, which kicked off on Friday, will conclude on Monday. According to Mbwale, a key focus is building an inclusive legacy—exposing youth from underprivileged communities to high-level competition and nurturing the next generation of sports stars. Empowering coaches from disadvantaged communities through skill development is also a priority. “The Easter tournament is an opportunity for us as Ruacana Town to once again demonstrate our capabilities as a premier events destination that will earn our town accolades one day,” she said. She added that the thematic areas for this year’s event are economic development emancipation, domestic tourism, sports development, and robust marketing. Thus, Mbwale indicated that attendees and participating teams are encouraged to explore the untapped investment opportunities and natural beauty of Ruacana, including excursions to the Ruacana Waterfalls and experiencing the local landscapes and wildlife. She stressed that the event is also seen as a vital opportunity to reignite the sports tourism sector, which has been significantly impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic, and to attract visitors to the town during the traditionally slower tourism season. “Ruacana Town boasts the necessary venues, event expertise, a strong history of hosting major events, infrastructure with upgrade potential, and a welcoming community to ensure a memorable and uniquely Namibian tournament,” she added. This year’s tournament will feature competitions in various sports codes, including male soccer, soccer legends, volleyball, netball, and basketball.