Staff Reporter SPORT, in its purest form, instils discipline, teamwork, perseverance and the grace of both victory and defeat, said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in a speech delivered in Windhoek on Friday at the official opening of the Region 5 Youth Games.The President described sport as “a vital school of life” that moulds not just athletes, but responsible and resilient citizens. “For all intents and purposes,” she said, “Games are far more than just a competition; they are a profound testament to our shared belief in the power of sport to transform lives and build nations.” She pointed out that, in hosting the Games, Namibia demonstrates her unequivocal belief in the youth who are “our present, and our undeniable future”. “By investing in platforms like this,” she said, “we are investing in the health, well-being, and aspirational spirit of our region, our continent, and humankind. That is why in Namibia, we have proudly declared sport as a critical sector, second only to agriculture, in our national developmental agenda. Just as agriculture nourishes our bodies, sport nourishes our souls, fosters healthy lifestyles, and generates immense economic opportunities.” Globally, the UN and the African Union have consistently underscored the transformative economic power of sport, which President Nandi-Ndaitwah described as a multi-billion-dollar industry that creates jobs in infrastructure development, tourism, manufacturing, and services. “When our youth participate, when our stadiums are filled, when visitors arrive, we are directly contributing to our Gross Domestic Product, fostering local businesses, and creating a flow effect of prosperity across our communities,” she said, adding that sport is not merely a leisure activity; it is a powerful engine of socio-economic growth. According to her, sport builds critical infrastructure, creates new industries, and ensures a healthier and more productive workforce. The President said: “Beyond economics, sport is an unparalleled catalyst for nation-building. It transcends ethnicity, language, and background, uniting us under a single flag, driven by a common purpose. We recall with pride the Namibian stars like Christine Mboma, who set the Region 5 Games alight with her blistering speed before going on to win a historic 200m silver medal at the Olympics, keeping most Namibians awake in the early hours of the morning. Alongside Christine, we also remember other luminaries from our Region 5 family, who began their journeys right here, on similar regional platforms, dreaming big and working tirelessly. You, the young athletes before me today, are the next generation of heroes. This is your stepping stone. This is your moment to shine and to inspire.” She said Namibia also celebrates the legendary Frank Fredericks, Helalia Johannes, Johanna Benson, Jonas Junias, Ananias Shikongo, Lahja Ishitile, and so many others, who have graced global stages and won accolades for Namibia at the Olympics and Paralympic Games. “Their participation and achievements are some of the factors that encouraged our government to commit to investing in sport as a key and critical success factor for socio-economic advancement, peace and unity. We also recognise the immense power of regional integration through sport. When our youth compete side by side, they build bonds of friendship and understanding that transcend borders. You are forging a future of peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity for our continent. This aligns perfectly with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa. Sport is a cornerstone of this vision, empowering youth, promoting cultural exchange, and strengthening the very fabric of our continental unity.” She reminded governments across the region that their role in social transformation is paramount.“We must continue to create the enabling environments, provide the resources, and champion the policies that allow our youth to thrive, not just in sport, but in all facets of life. Their success is our success and an assurance of our peaceful existence.” Directing herself to the participating young athletes she said: “Seize and own this moment; compete with integrity; showcase your extraordinary talents, and build lasting friendships. Let your dreams be a testament to your hard work, and a powerful statement of your potential for socio-economic advancement, not just for yourselves, but for your families and your nations. Africa, with its natural resources, is looking at you to play your part and make this continent a haven of peace and prosperity for all. Have fun, make memories, and inspire us all.”