Youth soccer teams from the Erongo region converged in Omaruru this past weekend for the finals of the O! Yes OlympAfrica Youth Empowerment Through Sport 2024 program.
The tournament focuses on the educational and social development of boys and girls aged 10 to 15 and older, aiming to sustain their growth by instilling Olympic values in them.
The event was hosted by the Omaruru Regional Sports Office in collaboration with the Namibia National Olympic Committee.
The main goal was for participants and their entourages to experience the positive values of sport, such as respect, fair play, teamwork, inclusivity, and gender equality, and to understand their importance both on the field and in everyday life.
The tournament follows a three-part methodology inspired by street football.
Each game consists of three stages, with the first stage focused on establishing the rules of the game.
In the second stage, participants apply these rules, and in the third stage, they reflect on the game and draw lessons from it.
Each game provides an opportunity to develop valuable skills that are applicable on the field, at home, in school, and at work.
Instead of using a referee, each team has an educator and coaches present to foster and facilitate dialogue, using it as a tool for conflict resolution during the game.
The U/11 age group was won by !Nara Primary School from Walvis Bay, while the U/13 age group was won by Okongue Primary School from the Daures Constituency.
The U15 age group was won by Duinesig Secondary School from Walvis Bay, while the Olympic Values Team Gold Trophy was awarded to Erongosig Primary School from Usakos.
As part of the O! Yes OlympAfrica tournament, cultural performances were held to enrich the event. These performances showcased traditional dances, music, and other cultural expressions, providing participants and attendees with a vibrant celebration of local heritage.
The cultural activities not only added to the festive atmosphere but also emphasized the importance of cultural diversity and community spirit within the context of the sports tournament.
Other sport codes were also featured at the tournament to support the OlympAfrica Youth Empowerment Through Sport Program as part of a Sports Festival.