Rwandan Minister of Interior Alfred Gasana has commended the key role that sports have been playing in strengthening police cooperation among members of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO).

Gasana made the remarks on Tuesday, March 21, during the official opening of the fourth edition of EAPCCO games at Kigali Pele Stadium.

Held under the theme "Fostering Police cooperation in fighting transnational organized crimes through sports," the weeklong regional interforce games will run from March 21 until March 27.

"Sports provide a place to come together, to learn, to grow, and to fuel a sense of purpose. This event presents the occasion for all participants to further the cause of promoting law enforcement cooperation for a safer region,” Gasana said in his opening ceremony address.

"EAPCCO has already demonstrated its impact through practical activities and partnerships among the fourteen member states. Today, we want to confirm our togetherness and esprit de corps through sports,” he added.

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As the games come to Rwanda for the first time since their inception in 2017, Gasana welcomed all athletes, officials and other distinguished guests from EAPCCO member countries who will be participating during the weeklong multi-sport event.

"It is indeed a privilege for us and, with common efforts, we will make sure that the games are conducted in a secure environment, conducive for all,” he said.

"My request to participants is that you must maintain discipline, observe game rules, practice teamwork and fair play, because sports is all about happiness and friendship."

EAPCCO Games will bring together a total of 1,114 athletes from 85 teams including 55 men’s teams and 28 women teams. Host nation Rwanda will be represented by 250 athletes from 12 men teams and six women teams.

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The week-long interforce tournament will attract participants from eight EAPCCO member countries that will compete in 13 sports disciplines namely football, handball, netball, volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, athletics, darts, Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, boxing and shooting.

They will be competing from seven venues namely BK Arena (Volleyball and Handball), Pele Stadium(Football), Tuza Inn (Beach Volleyball), Notre Dame des Anges (Judo Taekwondo), Hilltop (Boxing) and LDK (Basketball).