Hon. Dino Ballotti, Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts & Culture, addressed a landmark event in Windhoek on 11 November 2025 the launch of the Special Olympics Unified Coach Training Programme. This initiative represents Namibia’s dedication to promoting inclusion and empowerment through sport, emphasizing its transformative social power.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister Ballotti highlighted the programme as a significant partnership involving the German Olympic Sports Confederation, the German Federal Foreign Office, Special Olympics International, and Special Olympics Namibia. The collaboration aims to ensure that all people, regardless of ability, have an opportunity to participate in sports. Quoting the late President Nelson Mandela, he reminded everyone that sport is a universal connector that transcends barriers, builds hope, and fosters inclusive communities.
The training programme will equip over 100 coaches and teachers across Namibia with the skills to deliver cohesive sports, particularly focusing on volleyball and basketball. However, beyond teaching techniques, these coaches will serve as ambassadors of unity and social transformation in their communities.
Deputy Minister Ballotti reiterated the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture’s commitment to inclusion in sports, affirming that sport is integral to educational and developmental goals. The values of discipline, teamwork, respect, and resilience learned through sports extend beyond the playing field into broader society. Empowering coaches is, therefore, empowering a generation that values ability over disability and teamwork over difference.
He praised Special Olympics Namibia, led by Ms Levien Smit, for their steadfast dedication to inclusion, and expressed gratitude to partners including the German Olympic Sports Confederation, the German Embassy, GIZ, and Namibia National Olympic Committee for their ongoing support in developing inclusive sport participation in Namibia.
Closing his speech, Deputy Minister Ballotti quoted Dr. Sam Nujoma, emphasizing the youth as the torchbearers of Namibia’s future, and underscored that this programme equips them not only with knowledge but also empathy and purpose. The ministry envisions a Namibia where every child and athlete, regardless of ability, can thrive and shine through the unifying power of sport.
