The 20th edition of the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games officially got underway in Huye city, Rwanda (Southern Province) on Saturday, August 19, 2023.
The official opening ceremony was held at the Huye International Stadium, graced by the Rwanda’s minister of Education Dr. Valentine Uwamariya as chief guest.
All the participating students from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and hosts as well as the accompanying officials staged a colorful procession led by the Rwanda Army Brass band.
St Bernadette school performed exciting Rwanda traditional folk songs and dances that excited many people in the stands.
Justus Mugisha, the FEASSSA boss warmly welcomed the chief guest, the different leaders of delegation, the participants and well-wishers.
Mugisha appreciated the Republic of Rwanda for the acceptance to host the games at a short notice when Burundi pulled out.
“I want to thank the Republic of Rwanda for accepting to host the 2023 FEASSSA Games even on a short notice. Initially, these games were supposed to be held in Burundi. I also thank the leadership of this country for the transformation. Nothing is so educational than seeing the massive transformation.
Mugisha tagged the opening ceremony as magnanimous before introducing the different country heads of delegations including Uganda’s Sam Kuloba, the commissioner in charge of secondary education.
Kuloba delivered a special message from the minister of education and sports Hon Janet Kataha Museveni.
“Mama Janet Museveni has greeted you personally. Spirit of East African integration has been well embraced by Rwanda. Uganda has come to compete and take back the trophies” Kuloba vowed.
Rwanda’s minister of Education Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, the chief guest was full praise for FEASSSA and the role undertaken by sports in nation building.
“I wish you a pleasant stay and great memories. The Government of Rwanda acknowledges sports in fostering critical thinking.” She started.
“It is through sports that students improve discipline, mental health, discipline and social cohesion. Promote cultural exchange values. Critical in human development. Thank all participating countries; giving every child the right to education and the right to healthy living. We share activities that all unite us. Sports brings East Africa community together, sharing experiences, learning from each other, hard work and the inclusive sports for both boys and girls as well as the physically handicapped players. I salute the goal-ball players and their coaches. My appeal to all the participants is to respect the principles of fair-play, respect opponents and the rules. I express my appreciation to the organizing team of FEASSSA.” Dr. Uwamariya added.
The Lord mayor of Huye city warmly welcomed all the guests in this lovely tour for the entire duration of their stay.
“This is a memorable event to the city of Huye to host games of such this magnitude. I thank the Government of Rwanda, management of FEASSSA, schools and the organizing team” the mayor stated in his speech.
Rwanda School Sports Federation president envisages a great competitive tournament.
“Rwanda School Sports Federation (RSSF) will continue to collaborate with all stake holders to have a successful tournament. We see a bright future for FEASSSA Games that will forever see competitiveness. We hope that private sectors will as well come on board for lucrative goals. These games are built on true values of East African community, professional, accountability, transparency, unity and diversity.”
In the curtain raising match organized by the Rwanda Special Olympics group, Gasabo edged Kichuikuro 1-0 before the medal presentation ceremony.
The official opener witnessed Rwanda’s Ecose Musambira defeat Kenya’s Dagoretti High School 2-0.
More matches will be played tomorrow (Sunday, 20th August 2023) and throughout the week.
Besides soccer, the games involved include swimming, athletics, netball, hockey, handball, tennis, table tennis, rugby 7’s, rugby 15’s, basketball 5X5 and basketball 3×3, badminton and goalball.
Uganda is represented in all these disciplines.
