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Marianne Young

Marianne Young

High Commissioner, Windhoek

Part of UK in Namibia

7th May 2012 Windhoek, Namibia

Flying the Olympic flag in Namibia

Guest blog by Sonny Beukes, British High Commission Windhoek Press and Public Affairs officer.

Anna Wimmert, Hon Agnes Tjongarero, MP and Joan Smit from the Namibia National Olympic Committee

There was a big commotion at Wernhil Park in central Windhoek last Saturday, 28 April. Olympic banners and flags decorated the openspace in front of Pick n Pay where the British High Commission, in collaboration with the Namibia National Olympic Committee and their sponsors, held a joint outreach event with one goal in mind: “to build up local awareness as well as upholding the spirit of the London 2012 Olympic Games”.

Radio Fresh FM broadcasted live from the mall and plenty of people were drawn to the venue to learn more about the upcoming Greatest Show on Earth. The Namibian national fencing group gave a presentation about the sport; zumba dancers entertained the crowd and people were not shy to dance along. Nampost sold special Olympic stamps to raise pocket money for the athletes and Virgin Active gave a spinning demonstration to encourage a healthy lifestyle with sport. Namibia Beverages was ready to hand out energy drinks and merchandise to the enthusiastic children.

Namibian athletes Ananias Shikongo and Martin Alois, with their coaches

Namibia’s qualified Paralympic athletes, Ananias Shikongo and Martin Alois, were happy to take pictures with their fans and their presence was immensely appreciated. People were eager to ask for their autographs, which they happily gave with a smile.

Samsung had a big display screen where the London 2012 ‘Going for Green’ film was screened throughout the event.  People were fascinated to learn about the development of the stadiums.

The High Commission stall with the special Olympic merchandise was the highlight of the day. Everyone wanted to know how they could lay their hands on it. Children had the opportunity to take part in an Olympic-themed quiz, standing the chance to win the fantastic merchandise (including special Olympic caps, towels and clothes) as prizes. The special hint was to watch the film in order to get the right answers. Soon fingers were up in the air with the correct answers.

A little winner proudly wearing her Olympic hoodie

The outreach event was a wonderful chance to underline both GREAT Britain and Namibia’s commitment in building our joint excitement for what is set to be the greatest show on earth.

The Olympic fever was contagious and felt at Wernhil Park. Roll on the Games!

About Marianne Young

Marianne Young is the current British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia. She arrived in Windhoek in June 2011 and presented her credentials to the President of the Republic of…

Marianne Young is the current British High Commissioner to the
Republic of Namibia. She arrived in Windhoek in June 2011 and presented
her credentials to the President of the Republic of Namibia on 3rd
August.
Mrs Young joined the FCO in 2001 following a career in international
journalism, including time spent running an Asian maritime press office
in Singapore and a traineeship on the UK’s Times newspaper.
Her first role in the FCO was as a Press Officer in News Department,
after which she went on to be Head of the Great Lakes Section in Africa
Directorate and then Head of the East Africa & Horn Section.
In 2005, she became the first Head of Communications for the Engaging with the Islamic World Group.
She moved to the British High Commission in Pretoria in February 2007
and served as the Head of the External Political Section and Deputy
High Commissioner to the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland.
Mrs Young moved across to the British High Commission in Windhoek in
June 2011, and presented her credentials to the President of the
Republic of Namibia on 3rd August 2011.
On her appointment as British High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia, Mrs Young said:
“I am honoured and delighted to be appointed Her Majesty’s High
Commissioner to Namibia. I look forward to working to strengthen the
many commercial, political and cultural ties between our two countries,
and to help the many British nationals who holiday there. My family and I
are particularly thrilled to be remaining in southern Africa – and to
have the opportunity to explore this beautiful country further and
discover more about its people and culture.”
Curriculum vitae

Full name:
Marianne Young

Married to:
Barry Young

Children:
Two daughters and one son

 
June 2011
Windhoek, British High Commissioner

2007 – 2011
 
Pretoria, Head of External Political Section and DHC for the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland

2005 – 2006
FCO, Head of Communications, Engaging with the Islamic World Group

2004 – 2005
FCO, Head of East Africa & Horn Section, Africa Directorate

3/2003 – 8/2003
FCO, Head of Great Lakes Section, Africa Directorate

2002 – 2003
FCO, Press Officer, Press Office

2001 – 2002
FCO, Departmental Report Editor, Press Office

2001
Joined FCO

2000-2001
Senior Correspondent, Fairplay Group, UK

1995-2000
Staff Editor and then Asia Editor, Fairplay Group Singapore

1994-1995
Graduate Trainee at The Times newspaper, UK

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