Miss Namibia, Cassia Sharpley, has encouraged athletes to believe in themselves and surround themselves with like-minded people who want to win.
Sharpley remarked on this at a Gender Equality Forum Breakfast hosted by the Namibian National Olympic Committee and the Namibia Commonwealth Games Associations.
"You have to be first before you execute first; before I became Miss Namibia, I told myself that I was going to win the crown. I'm not competing with anyone, I'm not in competition with anyone or any other human being. I am my only competitor, and that is the most liberating feeling, to know that I am the reason I fail or rise, and the most important thing is staying true to yourself. Who are you? What do you stand for? What do you advocate for?"
The event, which was attended by athletes from different sports codes, hosted discussions on relationships and measures to ensure the integrity of sports.
The Namibian National Olympic Committee (NNOC) believes that all athletes, coaches, officials, staff, and volunteers who wish to participate in sport, particularly in the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, have a fundamental right to do so in a fair, safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, free from all forms of harm, discrimination, abuse, violence, and neglect.
Monica Shapwa, the Vice Chairperson of the Namibia Sports Commission Board, called on all sports bodies to practice gender equality.
"Gender equality will only be achieved when women and men enjoy the same opportunities, rights, and obligations in all spheres of life. The ministry, the Namibian Sports Commission, the NNOC, and sports federations must all work together to strategically pursue gender equality goals. Promoting gender equality in sports requires the participation of everyone."
The Ombetja Yehinga Organization, a Namibian trust aimed at creating social awareness among young people through the arts, entertained the athletes with a dramatized dance on relationships.
Sharpley, who is a former athlete, is set to leave for the United States on the 30th of December to participate in the 71st Miss Universe pageant, which will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the 14th of January 2023.