Team Namibia gets presidential send-off to Glasgow 

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah yesterday officially handed the Namibian flag to Team Namibia at State House, urging the athletes to represent the country with pride, integrity and excellence at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The ceremony marked the team’s official send-off ahead of the games, which will be held from 23 July to 2 August.

Addressing the athletes, coaches and officials, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia’s eighth appearance at the Commonwealth Games is a proud milestone and encouraged the delegation to remember that they are ambassadors of the nation.

“The Namibian nation celebrates your achievement and stands behind you with great anticipation, not only in the pursuit of victory, but also in the hope that you will continue to carry our national flag with pride, honour and distinction on the international stage,” she said.

The president reminded athletes that participation at the Commonwealth Games extends beyond competition.

“The Commonwealth Games strengthen cooperation, respect and excellence while bringing Commonwealth nations together in the spirit of mutual understanding and peaceful competition.”

She urged Team Namibia to compete fairly, uphold the values of sportsmanship and conduct themselves with humility and respect.

Nandi-Ndaitwah also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sport, saying the eighth administration has identified sport as its second national priority.

She said the government has already identified 28 sites for the construction and upgrading of basic sport facilities across all 14 regions, with the long-term goal of ensuring every constituency has access to sporting infrastructure.

“We don’t want any Namibian child to be deprived of the opportunity to excel in their chosen sport,” she said.

Earlier, head of mission Joseph Amakali formally presented Team Namibia to the president and said the delegation had prepared thoroughly for the games.

The team consists of 24 athletes, including a guide runner, competing in six sporting codes: athletics, para-athletics, bowls, boxing, gymnastics and swimming, supported by 18 officials.

Amakali said the athletes had earned their places through commitment, perseverance and outstanding performances.

“Our focus extends beyond athletic performance. We have emphasised discipline, professionalism, unity and respect for the rules and values of the games.”

Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) president Ndeulipulwa Hamutumwa described the occasion as a historic moment for Namibian sport.

“This ceremony reminds us that when our athletes compete, they do so as ambassadors of this beautiful country.”

He thanked the president and government for prioritising sport, and urged the athletes to remember that success is measured not only by medals but also by the character they display throughout the games.

During the ceremony, Hamutumwa presented Nandi-Ndaitwah with an official Team Namibia jacket, before the head of state formally entrusted the national flag to the team’s designated flag bearer.

In welcoming the delegation to state house, minister in the Presidency Charles Mubita said the athletes were representing not only Namibia’s sporting ambitions but also its values and principles.

“You are not only our ambassadors on the field, but also off the field,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by NNOC chief executive Anri Parker, who thanked government, stakeholders, families and supporters for helping Team Namibia reach the games and wished the delegation success in Glasgow.

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