Rwandan Minister of Education Dr. Valentine Uwamariya reminded the students participating at the 2023 FEASSSA Games that they share similar ambitions as humanity irrespective of geographical boundaries that separate them.
Uwamariya made her remarks while officiating the opening ceremony of the 2023 FEASSSA Games held at Huye stadium on Saturday, August 19.
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The regional inter-schools’ sports competitions are underway and will run through August 27 in Huye and Nyaruguru Districts, Southern Province. The competition brings together primary and secondary schools from six member countries of the East African Community including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Zanzibar and Uganda.
Uwamariya welcomed the participants to the 21st Edition of FEASSSA Games and was grateful that the competition’s board, after a rigorous assessment on Rwanda’s readiness and capacity, recommended the country to host the event.
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"This is the fourth time Rwanda is hosting the FEASSSA championship. Whereas Rwanda has created a conducive environment for this event and other similar events, we are grateful that the international and regional sports fraternity has trusted us. We hope you will have a pleasant stay and great memories of your stay here during the next few days,” said Uwamariya.
"The Government of Rwanda acknowledges the significant role and importance of Physical Education and Sports in fostering critical thinking and promoting positive values among students, communities and our respective countries.
Through sports activities, students improve their mental health, discipline, social cohesion and healthy lifestyles all of which are key to quality education,” she added.
The Federation of East African Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA), which Rwanda has been a member since 2005, organises the regional inter-schools’ competitions with an objective to foster unity among East African students and also enable students to familiarize with other countries and their culture through sports.
The 2022 edition of the Games was held in Tanzania.
"Events like these remind us that irrespective of the Geographical boundaries, we share similar ambitions as humanity. We should continuously find opportunities that unite us for joy, achievement and a common purpose,” Uwamariya said.
The FESSSA Games have been instrumental in promoting camaraderie and common understanding among the youth of the region, transcending borders and promoting peace.
Over 2924 primary and secondary schools’ students from Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zanzibar and Burundi are competing in the 2023 FEASSSA Games in 13 different sporting disciplines namely football, basketball, netball, handball, rugby, hockey, athletics, badminton, lawn tennis, swimming and goalball.
FEASSSA Games started in 2001 and are organised annually, rotating in all EAC member states except in 2020 and 2021 where the games were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Hosts Rwanda started the tournament well as ECOSE Musambira beat Kenya’s Dagoretti High School 2-0 in the opening football match held at Huye Stadium.