Nairobi: Kenya is hosting the 23rd edition of the Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games, bringing together teams from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. Ivory Coast from West Africa has joined for the first time this year, with 25 players participating, while Nigeria has expressed interest in the games, which are held annually on a rotational basis among participating countries.
According to Kenya News Agency, this year's event marks the culmination of Term 1 and Term 2 primary and secondary school games, bringing together over 3,000 students from the five countries. While officially opening the games at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the event has become a platform for unifying the region and nurturing youth talent.
The CS expressed pride in the region's well-organized platform for cultural exchanges, nurturing lifelong friendships, and celebrating shared values through sports. He highlighted the role of the games in demonstrating the essence of regional integration as countries work together, grow together, and succeed together. He noted that the East Africa Schools Sports games have consistently enabled participating countries to navigate and overcome challenges facing regional integration.
Ogamba emphasized the universal language of passion, respect, and sportsmanship spoken on the playing field, which strengthens bonds and promotes regional unity. He commended the East African Community's commitment to sustaining these sports and games and urged further nurturing and perfecting them to support talent development for higher competition levels.
The CS underscored the importance of sports as an integral part of youth education, advocating for education systems that develop holistic graduates and nurture diverse talents. He highlighted the potential for promising careers in sports that can offer glory and financial rewards, transforming lives and communities.
Kenya is hosting the school games alongside the prestigious African Nations Championship (CHAN), a testament to the region's collective sports ambition. The event serves as an inspiration for budding players to represent their nations in prestigious tournaments and professional leagues globally.
Students from participating countries are competing in 19 disciplines, including badminton, athletics, basketball, football, rugby, table tennis, and more. Special Needs Education (SNE) learners are competing in sports such as showdown, goalball, blind football, and futsal. New sports disciplines like scrabble, chess, beach soccer, beach volleyball, and showdown have been introduced for the first time.
CS Ogamba welcomed the participants, noting that Kenya is honored to host the prestigious event, which reflects the spirit of regional unity and the power of the region's youth.