EAC military games enter final phase

The EAC Military Games 2011 closed yesterday, at Prince Louise Rwagasore Stadium in Bujumbura, Burundi. The teams competed in football, netball, handball and basketball. According to an EAC communiqué released on Thursday, the games entered a crucial stage this week with Kenya proving supreme in cross-country races. Available results indicate that by Thursday, Kenya retained supremacy in both men and women cross country races. Kenya’s Lewis Musoti won the men’s race in 32minutes: 44.72 seconds. Burundi’s Olivier Irabaruta finished closely in 32minutes 55.38 seconds. Third was Kenya’s Robert Lagat in 33minutes: 01.28 seconds. Burundi was in the second overall position in the classification table in the men’s category followed by Tanzania and Uganda, while Rwanda came in last. Uganda’s Rebecca Cheptegei won the women’s category in 26 minutes: 18.04 seconds followed by Kenya’s Gladys Chepngeno in 26 minutes 31.38 seconds. Third was Tanzania’s Jacline Sakilu in 26munites:59.66 seconds. Uganda finished second in overall table classification in the women’s category, followed by Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi. In football, Burundi, Kenya and Uganda, all tied at five points. Defending champions Rwanda were trailing with three points followed by Tanzania without any point. In men’s basketball, Burundi lead with nine points, Kenya and Tanzania had six points each and Uganda and Rwanda were yet to register any point. In netball, defending champions Tanzania took a huge lead with nine points, followed by Uganda and debutants Burundi tied at three points; Kenya was in fourth position with one point and Rwanda was yet to secure any point. Burundi is hosting the games for the first time. I am happy to say that everything went smoothly as planned. The event has truly demonstrated East Africans’ unity and sportsmanship, said Brig. Gen. Salvatore Nahimana, the Chair of Defence Liaison Officers at the EAC Secretariat. Burundi’s President and Chairperson of the EAC Summit, Pierre Nkurunziza, opened the games on August 16, where he underlined the importance of military co-operation in all sectors, including sports and culture. More than 500 armed forces sportsmen and women from the bloc participated in what has been described as a “colourful event.” The games’ primary objective is not competition but to contribute to confidence building and nurturing a spirit of sportsmanship among the EAC armies as well as for the individual soldiers to demonstrate their immense talents and diverse rich cultures. Meanwhile, the bloc’s defence sector is also celebrating 10 years of cooperation which will climax in November. Ends