The two-week competition was hosted by the two Namibian cities of Swakopmund and Windhoek. The team surpassed the number of medals at the 2022 edition that was held in Malawi, where they brought home 47 medals, finishing in fifth place. Sporting codes that won medals were Athletics, Athletics VI, Football (girls), Judo, Special Olympics, Boxing, Karate, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis and Basketball 3x3. The games Chef de Mission, Frederick Kebadiretse, told Sport Monitor that the team did exceptionally well considering the circumstances under which they prepared. Furthermore, he said it was the first time the games were held in the middle of the school term, winter and preparation time was limited. “We have surpassed the medal haul for the previous games with notable performance by some ball sport teams, such as basketball 3x3 and the girls' football team, reaching the podium. Athletics, Athletics VI, Special Olympics, Karate, Tennis, and Swimming dished out some outstanding performances. Even the young table tennis team was good in their maiden appearance at the AUSC Region 5 Games,” he said.
Moving forward, Kebadiretse said the team needs to be kept as a unit so they can progress together and be given more competition opportunities. He added that 11 of the athletics team left for Nigeria (Sunday) for the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Under 18/20 Championships. Meanwhile, Sharon Reakae of Special Olympics said she was proud of how the athletes performed, considering that it was their maiden appearance at the Games. She said the team is now motivated as they look forward to the next competition. Special Olympics medals were won by Loago Keith Maja, Long Jump gold medal (5.38m), Tlamelo Mogomotsi, Long Jump gold medal at 3.81m and another gold medal was won by Letlhabo Rapoo for 200m. Retlhabile Phefo won a silver medal in the 200m. “The team will compete at the 2027 World Games to be hosted in Chile. Hopefully, we will see them at the next AUSC Region 5 Youth Games next year,” she said.
