KU To Host East Africa Universities Games 2010

The East Africa University Games brings together participating teams from amongst the Universities in the region. These Universities were initially from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda. As from last year the membership has expanded to include Southern Sudan and horn of Africa Nations. The games are modeled on the Olympics Games whereby there is usually competition in all major Disciplines namely Football, Handball, Hockey, Rugby, Basketball, Netball, Athletics, Scrabble, Chess, Tennis, Table Tennis, Badminton, Swimming and Martial Arts.

The governing body under which the Games fall is the East Africa University Sports Federation. The games are awarded on a rotational basis within the member states. The hosting University is usually awarded the Games after a bidding contest. They are biannual Games. This is the second time Kenyatta University is hosting these Games, the first time was in 2004.

In terms of organization, the games are run by a Local Organizing Committee whose mandate is to plan, invite teams, guests, provide the venues, source for officials, and provide for meals and accommodation alongside other logistical concerns like the opening and closing ceremonies.

The purpose of these games is to promote unity amongst the East African countries through sports as a universal language, to promote interaction amongst students within the Universities through sports, as these students are quartered in a Games village, to encourage professional growth through seminars, conferences and research among others.

The Games are expected to be self sustaining financially (they’ve always been) from the monies paid for participating, accreditation and partly from the catering and accommodation. However in order to give the games some flavour and more professional organization it’s always recommended that some sponsorship be sought. I’ am confident that we can source for sponsors if we hit out before mid next month

For successful management of the games, the following sub – committees need to be constituted. These sub – committees will raise budgets for their areas and are headed by key persons within the LOC.