The 2023 FEASSSA Games are just a week away from kickoff in Huye, Southern Province, instead of Kigali as initially planned. READ ALSO: Rwanda to host 2023 FEASSSA Games The Federation of East African Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA), which Rwanda has been a member since 2005, organises the regional inter-schools’ competitions with an objective to foster unity among East African students and also enable students to familiarize with other countries and their culture through sports. READ ALSO: FEASSSA: Rwanda's Kiziguro, ADEGI Gituza crowned handball champions The 2022 edition of the Games was held in Tanzania and Rwanda was represented by 152 students, 83 boys and 69 girls, from various secondary schools in the country. Times Sport’s Alexis Kayinamura presents to you things you need to know about 20th edition of the Games happening from August 17-27 in Huye. The Tournament First took place in 2002, FESSSA games are going to take place for the 20th time. Besides fostering unity and friendship among East African nations, the games provide an opportunity for talented young athletes to showcase what they can offer to the world of sport. This regional sporting event has been instrumental in promoting camaraderie and common understanding among the youth of the region, transcending borders, and promoting peace. Why Huye/Rwanda? The naming of Rwanda as the 2023 FEASSSA games host came after Burundi, who were initially given the hosting rights, declined the offer as they failed to meet the deadline for confirmation of acceptance. The Southern Province will be hosting the games for the second time, having first hosted them in 2015. Initially, the FEASSSA executive committee initially chose Kigali as the host city, but several sports facilities in the capital, including Amahoro and Kigali Pele stadiums, showed no signs of readiness to host them amid ongoing renovation works. As a result, Huye was chosen as the new host city due to its superior facilities, including Huye Stadium and the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus facilities. Who will participate in FEASSSA Games 2023? The FEASSSA Games will attract school teams from six member countries of the East African Community, including Burundi, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. At the moment, all countries have confirmed their participation. How many disciplines will be competed in? Approximately 4,500 athletes will compete in 13 sports disciplines namely Association Football, Basketball (5*5 & 3*3), Volleyball, Netball, Handball, Rugby 15’s & 7’s, Hockey, Athletics, Badminton, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Swimming and Goal ball. Who will represent Rwanda? Rwanda will be represented in all 13 disciplines in both boys and girls. At least 460 athletes, including 212 boys and 238 girls, from 22 secondary schools and nine primary schools will take part. Secondary schools: ADEGI Gituza (Gatsibo) Kiziguro SS (Gatsibo), ES Kigoma (Ruhango), ISF Nyamasheke (Nyamashake), GS St Joseph (Muhanga), PSVF (Huye), GS St Aloys (Rwamagana), IPRS Kigali (Kicukiro), Ecole St Bernadette (Kamonyi), Lycee de Kigali ( Nyarugenge), ITS Gatsibo (Gatsibo), GS Marie Reine Rwaza (Musanze), Ecose Musambira (Kamonyi), CGFK (Kicukiro), GS Gatizo (Kamonyi), APAER (Gasabo), GS Gahini (Kayonza) and GS Gatisi ((Ruhango). Primary schools: GS Nyirarukobwa (Bugesera), Ecole Etoile Rubengera (Karongi), GS Ntarama (Bugesera), GS St Paul Muko (Rusizi), Ecole Primaire Karagari (Gicumbi) Centre scolaire Rwaza (Musanze), GS St Joseph Muhato (Rubavu), GS Kabusunzu (Nyarugenge) and Centre Scolaire SUSA II (Musanze). How did Rwanda perform in 2022? Rwanda secured a total of nine medals in the 2022 FEASSSA Games including two gold medals in Handball, two silver medals in Table Tennis, and five bronze medals, with two in Volleyball, one in Handball, one in Basketball and one in Athletics.
