The anxiously awaited East African Secondary School Games open today at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam involving 3,178 participants from the region.
Organised by the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA), almost all East African Community (EAC) member-countries have confirmed participation.
Tanzania last hosted the Games in 2006 and this year South Sudan has been invited to take part. Local Organising Committee Chairperson Mwantumu Mahiza told reporters in Dar es Salaam that the teams will compete in athletics, basketball, soccer, volleyball, hockey, badminton, lawn and table tennis, swimming and rugby.
She said the Games, which wind up on September 1, aim to cement relations among EAC member-states and promote sports in schools.
“FEASSA intends to develop talent and bring unity, peace and love among youths and their respective countries participating in the Games,” Mahiza said.
“The competitions help to inspire students to participate in sports when they are at school,” she added. Mahiza further explained that they have requested President Jakaya Kikwete to officially open the Games on Sunday.
“Teams start to arrive today (yesterday) and the Games will take off tomorrow (today),” she said. “We expect President Kikwete will officially open them on August 24 and Zanzibar President, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony on September 1.”
Different pitches, including the University of Dar es Salaam and Jitegemee Secondary School grounds and Uhuru Stadium, will be used for the competitions. Mahiza noted that Tanzania teams are ready and spectators will watch the Games free of charge. She urged local sports fans to turn up in good numbers to cheer up their teams.
By FRANK KIMARO, Tanzania Daily News