The 20th edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games was officially launched at the Shiekh Amir Abeid Stadium in Arusha city on Sunday, 18th September 2022.
Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa , the prime minister of the United Republic of Tanzania was the chief guest.
He was flanked by other Government officials, leaders of FEASSSA led by the president Justus Mugisha, participants and representatives from the four competing countries.
Uganda’s Government delegation was spurred by the state minister of sports Hon. Peter Ogwang led a team from the team of ministry of education and sports, commissioners, and the general secretary of the national council of sports Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel.
Hon. Majaliwa hinted at the essence of sports in personal, national, regional, and development as he thanked the Government of Tanzania, and other countries as well as FEASSSA for the secondary school games.
“Sports is of value because it helps to keep fit bodies, make friends, earn a living, and foster unity, among others. Therefore, we need to promote it at all times. Thank you to the different governments, sports committees, and FEASSSA for this cause” he noted.
FEASSSA President Mugisha in a special way appreciated the Tanzanian Government for accepting to host these games once again since 2019.
“I thank the Government of Tanzania for the enabling environment to have these games. Arusha is now like our home. I also thank the president and prime minister for this opportunity. Not forgetting the different countries, schools, coaches, officials and participants” Mugisha noted.
“Other countries that have not managed to be here like Burundi, South Sudan, and DR Congo will participate next year” he added.
Hon. Ogwang lauded the significance of these games in fostering regional integration.
“The dream of the late Julius Nyerere of having a United East Africa is alive through these games. Please maintain the legacy and make it count” Minister Ogwang revealed.
Over 3000 students (boys and girls) from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and hosts Tanzania are engaged in 12 sports disciplines soccer, netball, volleyball, handball, Rugby (7s and 15s), hockey, tennis, table tennis, basketball, badminton, swimming, and goalball for the deaf.
There is also a special category for primary schools in football and netball.
Uganda is the defending champion in these games that will climax on Saturday, 24th September 2022.