Sport is a major industry – NNN

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah received International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry at State House on Saturday.

Coventry, who hails from Zimbabwe, is the first woman to hold the position.

Her visit to Namibia is her first regional interface after assuming the position in March.

During the meeting, Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed Namibia’s appreciation for Coventry’s visit, reaffirming the country’s commitment to the development of sport as both a tool for social transformation and a critical economic sector.

“Sport is not just an activity for us – it is a major industry contributing to national mental health, youth empowerment and economic development,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

“If we empower our young people through the right facilities, they will have the capacity to take care of us,” the president added.

Coventry echoed this sentiment, saying that the Olympic Movement considers infrastructure a key feather of sport development.

In a statement, the presidency says Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for investment in sports infrastructure and youth-focused initiatives, and that the development of young athletes, access to high-performance training and participation in international competitions are essential for advancing the nation’s sporting excellence.

Nandi-Ndaitwah also highlighted the crucial role of education and sport in instilling discipline in young people, reads the statement.