EADB Tanzania Country Manager Stephen Wambura (R) with FEASSA President Justus Mugisha/HANDOUT The East African Development Bank (EADB) has pumped Sh11.6 million into the 23rd Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games, backing a competition that brings together more than 5,500 young athletes from across the region.
The tournament, which is underway in Morogoro, has attracted 413 teams and 5,548 participants from across East Africa who are competing in 51 disciplines.
EADB Tanzania Country Manager Stephen Wambura said the bank’s decision to back the games was driven by the role sport plays in developing young people beyond the field of play.
“While our core mandate is financing development projects across key sectors of the economy, we recognise that sustainable development goes beyond infrastructure and enterprises. It also means investing in people, especially young people, who represent the future of our region,” Wambura said.
The funding will support medals and trophies for winning teams as well as playing kits for participants competing in the finals.
“Sports sponsorship is one of the key pillars of our Corporate Social Initiatives agenda because we understand the transformative power of sports in shaping character, promoting healthy lifestyles and unlocking opportunities for young people in our region,” he said.
The sponsorship comes as Team Kenya seeks to retain the overall title it won in Kakamega last year.
Kenya has sent one of the largest contingents to Morogoro, with 125 teams and 1,704 participants competing in more than 40 disciplines.
Kakamega School and St Mary’s School Yala will spearhead the country’s challenge in boys’ football, while St Joseph’s Girls Kitale and Nyakach Girls will lead the girls’ campaign.
In volleyball, national champions Kesogon Girls, Soweto Academy and Mwitoti Secondary School carry
Kenya’s hopes in the girls’ category, while Chesamis Boys, Matiliku Secondary School and Chepsaita Secondary School will compete in the boys’ event.
Rugby is also be a major medal target, with Kisii School, Upper Hill School and St Mary’s School Yala competing in the boys’ 15s, while Butula Boys, Cardinal Otunga Mosocho and Bokoli Boys feature in the sevens.
Kinale Girls and St Joseph’s Girls Kitale will lead the girls’ rugby campaign.
In basketball, Lukenya School and Friends School Kamusinga will compete in boys’ 5x5, while Kaya Tiwi and Butere Girls represent Kenya in the girls’ competition.
The games run until August 22, with Kenya facing strong challenges from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi.
