University of Ghana Celebrates FASU Games in a Colourful Opening Ceremony
The University of Ghana contingent for the 10th Federation of African Universities Sports (FASU) Games has participated in a colourful Opening Ceremony of the Games being hosted by the Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya from the 6th to 10th June, 2022.
The Opening Ceremony was characterised by procession by the participating universities amidst fun fare, music and traditional aerobic dancing from the Bomas from Kenya. Athletes, Team Officials and Special Guests were treated to traditional Kenyan performance which involved a combination of coastal and Luo dances from the western part of Kenya.
The Nambolo Dancers and students from the Kenyatta University showcased some contemporary performances. The dance which exudes energy and movements are features of the modern-day African youth.
Ms. Nomsa Mahlangu, FASU President
In her address, the President of FASU, Ms. Nomsa Mahlangu expressed appreciation on behalf of members of the Federation to Kenyatta University and the government of the Republic of Kenya for the support and investment towards the 10th FASU Games. She thanked all Vice-Chancellors of participating Universities for providing the necessary support to aid their Universities to be at the Games. She remarked that:
“Sport is more than sports. It is not only about competing and winning medals. It is also about building communities because Universities exists in communities and through sports, we are able to change lives. In as much as we are going to compete amongst ourselves, there is the need to build Africa together.”
According to her, the stakes were high as the Games will serve as qualifiers for the next World University Football Championship.
Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya
The Special Guest of Honour for the Opening Ceremony, Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta, the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya in her speech to formally open the Games, extended a warm welcome to participants and encouraged them to enjoy the rich heritage and beautiful hospitality of Kenya. She reiterated that as a country they have an enduring passion for sports. This passion manifested in the hosting of international competitions such as the Kip Keino Classics and the Under 18 & 20 World Athletics Championship in 2017 and 2021 respectively.
Her Excellency Margaret Kenyatta said the theme for the Games; “University Sports, a Tool for Development” was very much appropriate. She remarked that;
“Sports is recognized for its great social significance. It brings nations and communities together. Sporting activities build character and has a key feature for keeping our human spirit alive. The Games over the next five days, should bring us together, to unify us as one people on the African Continent”.
She added that sports is an activity that provide people the opportunity to bond with others and promote inclusivity among people across social classes. It should not be only about winning but also about teamwork, cooperation and respect towards one another.
Speaking immediately after the Opening Ceremony, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu, Director of Sports at the University of Ghana stated that some notes have been taken from the Opening Ceremony such as sports for development activities geared towards inclusion of disability and minority sports as UG prepares to host the FASU Football Championship.
Over fifty (50) Universities from fifteen (15) countries are participating at the 10th FASU Games.
Present also at the Opening Ceremony were the Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, Professor Paul K. Wainaina; Local Organising Chairman, Professor Godfrey Mse; Kenya Universities Sports Federation, Mr. Mbaabu Murithi; Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage, Kenya, Ambassador Amina Mohamed and the Ag. President of the Federation of International University Sports, Mr. Leonz Eder.
