Petrynka arrived in Arusha city, Tanzania on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 for a two day visit.
He was warmly welcomed by the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) leaders led by the president Justus Mugisha, and hosted to a luncheon at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Arusha, city.
His visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the FEASSSA games.
Petrynka was accompanied by the ISF director of Sports Josip Košutić.
Petrynka appreciated the work of FEASSSA in talent identification and development.
“We not only here for the anniversary (20th edition of the FEASSSA Games). We are here for friendship (mutual respect), reinforcing the link with all 134 members of ISF, innovation (Data, age, format, competitions), participation in the building of national curriculum (developing the ISF Academy and a realistic dream for Africa to flourish in sports.
He also pledged support to the ISF members in terms of technical development, finances and otherwise.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Uganda and East Africa, Uganda’s state minister of sports Hon. Peter Ogwang pleaded with the ISF president to assist in the docket of infrastructural development of the members in Eastern Africa, scholarships to talented sportsmen and the opportunity to host ISF international sports competitions.
“On behalf of the East African block, I request you help further in the infrastructure of our countries to develop better sportsmen, provide scholarships to talented young people in such competitions within in East Africa and also give Africa, particularly our region to host ISF competitions” Hon. Ogwang submitted.
Hon. Ogwang, FEASSSA President Justus Mugisha, Frank Mahenge (president of Tanzania schools’ sports body) and the Tanzania delegation were rewarded with Highest Honor of International School Sport Federation plaques.
Mugisha appreciated the effort of ISF in the development of schools’ sports in the entire world.
He vowed to continue with the mass involvement of sports, and share the program to the other regions as West Africa, Southern and Northern.
“We are honored to host the president of ISF in the East African region for the first time. This is manifestation of the trust in the activities we are doing. We shall continue with the mass sport program and we remain inclined to ISF for the necessary guidance and support” Mugisha noted.
Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Association (FEASSSA) president Justus Mugisha, Frank Mahenge (president of Tanzania schools’ sports body) as well as one for the Tanzania delegation.
Petrynka and Josip Košutić later moved to the TGT sports complex where handball, football, volleyball and rugby are taking place.
They graced several football matches and gave the athletes merchandise branded ISF.
The 20th FEASSSA Games comprise of football, netball, volleyball, handball, hockey, basketball (3X3 and 5X5), athletics, swimming, badminton, tennis, table tennis and goalball for the deaf.
These games were officially opened by the Tanzania prime minister Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa at the Shiekh Amri Abeid stadium in Arusha city.
They climax on Saturday, 24th September 2022.