The fourth edition of the Eastern Africa Police Chiefs Cooperation Organization (EAPCCO) Games kick off in Kigali, Rwanda Tuesday, March 21 and will run until March 27.
Organised under the theme "Fostering Police cooperation in fighting transnational organized crimes through sports,’ the 2023 EAPCCO games will bring together over 11 see eight countries competing in 13 sports.
The EAPCCO Games haven’t happened since Kenya in 2019 due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Times Sport brings you things you need to know about the games.
What are EAPCCO Games?
The EAPCCO Games is a multisport event organized by the regional police body known as EAPCCO which brings together 14 member countries.
EAPCCO Games were first held in 2017 in Uganda, Tanzania hosted the second edition in 2018 and the third edition was held in Kenya in 2019.
The games were initiated to strengthen Police cooperation in fighting transnational organized crime and also promote talents of Police officers and enhance community policing among Police organizations by sharing the best practices and experiences.
Which games will be played?
This year’s tournament will be competed in 13 different sports disciplines namely football, handball, netball, volleyball, beach volleyball, basketball, athletics, darts, Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, boxing and shooting.
Which countries will participate?
Despite having 14 country members, EAPCCO Games will this year attract athletes from eight countries.
Participating countries are Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia and host nation Rwanda.
Over 1250 players constituting 83 teams will represent their Police institutions and countries, with 55 men and 28 women teams.
Who will represent Rwanda?
Rwanda will be represented in all sports disciplines in both men and women. Over 250 athletes will represent the country in various disciplines.
Police spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera, confirmed that Rwanda will be represented in all sports competitions that are there to play for.
"We have been preparing the teams since 2019 and we hope to be represented in all sports disciplines,” he said.
Among teams that will represent Rwanda include Rwanda Premier League side Police FC in football and Forefront in volleyball.
Which venues will host the games?
At least 20 playgrounds will be used during the EAPCO Games out of which 13 will be used for training sessions and seven for competitions.
The playgrounds designated for training sessions include Bugesera Stadium, Lycée de Kigali, La Palisse Nyandungu, MNM Fitness, Body Mass Fitness, IPRC Kicukiro, CMHS, WAKA Fitness, Kicukiro Plaza, Cercle Sportif de Kigali, CCTC Muyange, Life Style Gym Kicukiro and Club Rafiki.
Seven playgrounds that will be used for competitions include Kigali Pele Stadium (Football),
Tuza Inn (Beach Volleyball), LDK (Basketball), Notre Dame des Anges (Judo and Taekwondo) and Bugesera Stadium (Athletics), Hotel Hill Top, Stecol.