Kenyan University Sports Association (KUSA) and University of Nairobi (UoN) hosted between July and 18 the most important events of the Federation of Africa University Sports (FASU) this year – the 7th FASU All African Games, Scientific Conference and FASU General Assembly.

 

Opening Ceremony of the FASU Games took part on July 11 at the UoN Chancellor’s Court starting with march past of the participating countries. The ceremony was attended by great number of local and international guest. Welcome speeches was delivered by KUSA president Mr Mbaabu Murithi, Local Organizing President UoN Vice-Chancellor Mr Isaac Mbeche and President of FASU Mr Ralethe Malumbete. The importance of university sport and its role in strengthening peace in Africa were highlighted, and this is also reflected in the motto: “Peace and solidarity in Africa through varsity sports.”

 

The participants and guests were also addresses by Mr Oleg Matytsin, FISU 1st Vice-President who thanked FASU, KUSA and UoN for organization of the Games and underlined that vital mutual cooperation between FISU and Continental Federations plays key role in developing of university sports worldwide. 

 

The next day, on July 12, the scientific conference was held. After welcoming addresses, the conference started with FASU presentation by Mrs Peninnah Kabenge, FASU Secretary-General. Afterwards, 28 topics were presented by professors and students. The keynote speaker prof. S.W.W. Njororai titled his presentation ‘Sport as medium for promoting peace and development in Africa’. Prof. Njororai stressed that universal language of sport, values of sport and emotion which always accompanying practice and watching of sport could be used for development of Africa and will certainly help to build cooperation network at both horizontal and vertical level. Participants also attended a demonstration of sitting volleyball, which showed that disabled students can also fully enjoy competitive spirit.


 

FASU General Assembly was held on July 13 and was attended by 16 member federation and number of guests from abroad. The European University Sports Association (EUSA) was represented by its President Mr Adam Roczek, the International University Sports Federation (FISU) by its 1st Vice-President, Chair of the Intercontinental Council Mr Oleg Matytsin and Vice-President Stefan Bergh, Chair of the Development Committee. Asian University Sport Federation (AUSF) was represented by Mr Yang Liguo and Mr Shen Zhen. 

 

Mr Roczek as the President of EUSA in his welcome address underlined close relation between FASU and EUSA, thanking FASU and its member federations for their contribution to the development of university sport in Africa and worldwide. He stressed that Continental Federations under the umbrella and leadership of FISU has the same goal – building a better society of tomorrow through sport. He also invited the delegates and guests to attend the 2nd edition of the European Universities Games which start in a few days in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

 

FASU Assembly accepted new members from Sierra Leone and Gambia and adopted changes of the constitution and confirmed the introduction of some internal regulations in order to enhance the efficiency of the work of FASU in the coming years.

 

 

The FASU Games 2014 were attended by students from 13 countries from different parts of Africa, with over than 500 athletes participating and competing in 14 sports - Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Football, Handball, Karate, Netball, Rugby 7's, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis and Volleyball. Most successful teams in medal tally were Egypt, Ghana and Kenya.

 

More information: www.africauniversitysports.com