Opening MatchUN team vs SEC academyRWANDA is host to the first-ever United Nations Inter-Agency Games (IAG) which are scheduled to start this afternoon at Amahoro stadium.The 14 UN organisations/agencies, comprising a total of 700 participants from all over 100 nations are being represented in the 13-sport event which is set to wind up on March 17.The Chief Conduct and Discipline Unit of African Union-United Nations’ Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), Wayne Hayde addressed a news conference on Monday ahead of the inaugural games.“The UN inter-agency games are aimed to help staff members of the agencies and organizations of the United Nations family to know each other through sports meetings and thereby to improve mutual understanding and working relations.“The reason we decided to bring games to Rwanda and Africa for the first time is because for 44 years, we have struggled to participate in previous games which are always held in Europe,”“We have decided to bring the games here to show the world that Africa can be a good host because they have also hosted the Fifa World Cup finals in 2010,”Mr. Hayde revealed that Rwanda has offered all competition venues free of charge and the government (of Rwanda) has done everything possible to help the success of the games.He noted that visa hitches and the high cost of games has always stopped African agencies from competing in the games which have been held in Italy, Switzerland and twice in Austria.The Games are held each year are the first of its kind to be held in Africa and competitors will compete in Athletics (men and women), Basketball, Chess, Football, Badminton, Golf, Table-tennis (men and women), Lawn Tennis, Volleyball (men and women).The UN Inter-Agency Games, a brain child of a few UN staff members, was first launched 33 years ago as a social activity aimed at boosting overall staff morale, well being, and bring together the UN family of varying cultures and backgrounds.
