The annual sports games of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture officially kicked off on Monday morning at the Paresis Sports Stadium in Otjiwrongo.
Deputy Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Faustina Caley, officiated the launch, saying the games are aimed at creating a platform for the non-teaching staff members of the ministry to also socialise, network and share best office practices within the ministry.
Caley further said the ministry’s annual sports games started in 2008 and include netball, volleyball and soccer.
The games are expected to end on Thursday, when finals in the three sports codes will be played.
“Our sport games this year will be held under the theme; ‘Creating change through sports, arts, culture and quality education’,” said Caley.
She stated that about 900 officials in education, arts and culture from the 14 regions are in attendance, including directors from the head offices in Windhoek and NIED in Okahandja.
The deputy minister cautioned all participants to refrain from any abuse of alcohol during the four-day event, in order to protect the image of the ministry.
The event was last held in Windhoek in 2020.
Khomas Region is the defending champion in netball and soccer, while Zambezi is defending in volleyball.
Winners are expected to be awarded trophies and medals, Caley said.