Written By | Alex Mbamanya
Uganda athletes during the opening ceremony
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Morogoro, Tanzania
The Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) executive has reason to smile after securing sponsorship support following a five-year hiatus.
The new support was announced on Sunday during the official opening ceremony of the FEASSA Games at Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro, Tanzania, where the East African Development Bank (EADB) came on board as a new partner.
EADB announced an initial contribution of US$90,000 (approximately Shs329 million), drawing applause from FEASSA President Justus Mugisha and his executive.
The official opening ceremony was presided over by Tanzania's Minister of Education, Adolf Mkenda.
Speaking after the announcement, EADB Country Manager Stephen Wambura said the bank is committed to investing in young people through sports, recognising the role of school competitions in developing talent, leadership, discipline and regional integration.
“While our core mandate is financing development projects across key sectors of the economy, we recognise that sustainable development also means investing in people, especially young people who represent the future of our region. Through this partnership with FEASSA, we are supporting the development of the next generation of East African leaders,” Wambura said.
The FEASSA Games had for many years received sponsorship from Brookside, but the support was withdrawn during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 as the economic effects of the pandemic affected many organisations.
Uganda athletes during the opening ceremony
The new sponsorship will support the production of medals and trophies, as well as the provision of playing kits for finalists across various disciplines.
The games, which have entered their fourth day in Morogoro, have attracted 5,548 participants from 413 teams from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and hosts Tanzania, competing in 25 disciplines.
Tanzania athletes
Uganda, the overall defending champions, has once again fielded the largest delegation, comprising 1,660 athletes from 130 teams drawn from secondary schools, primary schools and the Special Needs Education (SNE) category.
