Kakamega: The Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) is considering moving future regional games to stadiums to accommodate the growing number of fans attending the tournaments. FEASSA President Justus Mugisha highlighted the surge in attendance, particularly noting the significant turnout in Kakamega, where over 20,000 fans gathered to watch a single football match.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mugisha emphasized that such large crowds were unprecedented in previous tournaments, indicating a clear need for stadium facilities. The call for better infrastructure comes after disruptions occurred during the boys' soccer semifinals between St. Joseph Boys and Musingu High School, where fans prematurely invaded the pitch to celebrate a late equalizer by Musingu, which occurred in the 85th minute after St. Joseph had led 1-0 through a penalty.
In another semifinal match, Bukedea of Uganda narrowly defeated Butere with a 1-0 scoreline. Mugisha urged the upcoming host, Tanzania, to prepare stadium venues for next year's games, indicating that this requirement will eventually be enforced across all participating countries.
Speaking at a FEASSA symposium held alongside the East Africa Games, Mugisha shared that the International School Sports Federation (ISF) has recommended enhanced knowledge sharing and development of school sports. He reiterated FEASSA's commitment to maintaining fair play by ensuring only eligible students participate and praised Tanzania for its efforts in enforcing age limits for athletes.
Mugisha outlined plans for students to assume more significant roles in managing the games, with FEASSA providing oversight. 'We are moving to a point where the games become student-driven, with learners handling officiating, publicity, and other responsibilities,' he stated.
International School Sports Federation (ISF) President Zeljko Tanaskovic, who attended the closing ceremony in Kakamega, commended the swift progress of school sports in East Africa and expressed confidence in the region's potential to become a continental leader. He assured ongoing ISF support to promote education through sports globally.
Representing Kenya's Ministry of Education, Simon Muiruri affirmed the government's dedication to enhancing learners' skills via co-curricular activities, including the Science and Engineering Fair, Drama and Music Festivals, and Sports. He noted that Kenya allocates Sh22,000 annually per secondary school student for co-curricular activities, with Sh1,500 specifically for sports.
The symposium concluded with strengthened commitments from East African states and the ISF to enhance school sports as a vital component of education and youth development.