By John Kusolo*
Justus Mugisha, FEASSA President remarks during the official closing ceremony-
"This year's edition was a very special one! The athletes played on first class facilities in schools, that were built to host the 21st edition of the FEASSA Games. Uganda has set the bar very high in as far as hosting these games, therefore Kenya (22nd edition hosts) have a huge task to push it even higher.
The recently concluded Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Association (FEASSA) Games, hosted in Bukedea District from August 18th to 26th, 2024, witnessed fierce competition among secondary schools from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. This annual event, which serves as a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent, saw remarkable performances, with Uganda and Kenya dominating the medal standings.
Uganda's Stellar Performance
Uganda emerged as the overall champion in the 2024 FEASSA Games, amassing a total of 13 medals(7 Gold) across various sports disciplines in both the boys' and girls' categories. The host nation demonstrated exceptional prowess, particularly in athletics, basketball, badminton, and swimming.
Table Tennis: Uganda clinched the top spot with 2 gold medals in the boys' and girls' categories. This success was complemented by 2 silver and 2 bronze medals, bringing the total to 6 medals in this discipline.
Badminton: Dominance was also seen in badminton, where Uganda secured 2 gold medals along with 1 silver and 1 bronze, totaling 4 medals.
Basketball 5x5: In basketball, Uganda's girls' team displayed remarkable skill, earning gold, while the boys' team also performed strongly, contributing to Uganda's overall success.
Football: Uganda excelled in football, securing 2 gold medals—
one in the boys' category(Amus College )
and another in the girls' category(St. Noa Girls' School)—making football one of the most successful sports for the country in this year's games.
Swimming: Uganda's swimmers did not disappoint, winning 2 gold medals and solidifying their dominance in aquatic sports.
Uganda's success across various sports disciplines highlights the country's commitment to nurturing young talent and investing in sports infrastructure. The medal tally shows Uganda leading with 13 gold medals, demonstrating a balanced and consistent performance across both boys' and girls' categories.
Kenya's Strong Show
Kenya was a formidable contender, finishing closely behind Uganda with a total of 11 medals(6 Gold). The country excelled in athletics, netball, and volleyball, among other sports. Kenya's ability to secure gold medals in diverse sports disciplines underscores its status as a sports powerhouse in the region.
Athletics: Kenya dominated the track and field events, particularly in the girls' category, where they secured the gold medal.
Basketball 3x3: Kenya's girls' team clinched gold in basketball 3x3, adding to their impressive medal haul.
Volleyball and Rugby: Kenya also shone in volleyball and rugby, with strong performances that earned them gold medals.
Kenya's 11 medals are a testament to the country's athletic depth and the effectiveness of its sports programs in schools.
Performance of Other Nations
Tanzania: Tanzania put up a commendable fight, particularly in athletics, securing a bronze medal in the girls' category. The country also earned medals in other disciplines, showcasing the growing talent within its school sports programs.
Rwanda and Burundi: Rwanda and Burundi participated actively but found themselves trailing behind the more dominant teams from Uganda and Kenya. Rwanda managed to secure silver and bronze medals, particularly in basketball 5x5 (girls) and football (boys), while Burundi earned a bronze in swimming.
The FEASSA Games 2024 will be remembered for the intense competition and the display of young talent from across the East African region. Uganda's dominance, especially as the host nation, speaks volumes about the country's investment in sports and its dedication to developing future athletes. Kenya's strong performance reaffirms its reputation as a regional sports giant.
As the curtains fall on this year's games, the participating countries will undoubtedly return home with valuable experiences and lessons, ready to train harder for the next edition. The future of sports in East Africa looks bright, with such talented young athletes leading the way.
*Rwanda and Burundi* :
Rwanda and Burundi participated actively but found themselves trailing behind the more dominant teams from Uganda and Kenya. Rwanda managed to secure silver and bronze medals, particularly in basketball 5x5 (girls) and football (boys), while Burundi earned a bronze in swimming.
The FEASSA Games 2024 will be remembered for the intense competition and the display of young talent from across the East African region. Uganda's dominance, especially as the host nation, speaks volumes about the country's investment in sports and its dedication to developing future athletes. Kenya's strong performance reaffirms its reputation as a regional sports giant.
As the curtains fall on this year's games, the participating countries will undoubtedly return home with valuable experiences and lessons, ready to train harder for the next edition. The future of sports in East Africa looks bright, with such talented young athletes leading the way.
*From left to right: Justus Mugisha, FEASSA President, Rev. Can Dr. Duncans Mugumya, Hon. Peter Ogwang State Minister for Sports Ministry of Education and Sports, @lpetrynka President @ISFsports.
All are present at the girls' football final.
St. Noa Girls' School 1-0 Butere Girls (Kenya)
*
Kamodo(holding St. Mary's Kitende Flag), dejected after Amus College beat St. Mary's Kitende 1-0 in Boys football.
Comments