National Unity Day sports competition kicks off in Juba
The government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on Saturday launched the sixth National Unity Day (NUD) sports competition in Juba.
The nine-day event entails sports activities such as football, volleyball, and cultural dances that draw youth from the 10 states and three administrative areas.
It aims to promote peace and social cohesion among communities in South Sudan, through playing and interacting with others from other communities to promote peaceful coexistence.
Speaking at the launch, the national Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr Albino Bol, said sports were the only way youth could be engaged to shun hostility and focus on positive things that unite the polarised nation.
Dr. Bol said unity among the young people would end the ongoing conflict, eradicate tribalism, and enhance development by paving way for every community to rebuild their livelihoods.
“It is my pleasure and appreciation to the people and government of Japan for their support of South Sudan, “Dr Bol said.
“Japan is concerned about us simply because they were the very people who suffered the consequences of the Second World War.”
According to Dr. Bol, no one thought Japan could emerge to become one of the most powerful economic countries in the post-war situation like South Sudan, adding youth as the future leaders could change the narrative of South Sudan if they unite.
The Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Fuyuki Sagara, called on the South Sudanese youth to embrace each other as one family and friend during National Unity Day.
“I would like to urge all of you to unity to create an environment where youth can play sports without their dreams being shattered by violence and discrimination,” said Mr. Sagara.
He emphasised the importance of sports in uniting people across diverse cultures, pointing out that the 5th South Sudan National Unity Day enabled the participants to become friends.
The launch of the National Unity Day was attended by senior national and state government officials, representatives of the United Nations Missions in South Sudan (UNMISS), UNCHR, UNFPA, and corporate enterprises in the country.
The nine-day event will end with final games between teams that will make it to the final on March 27, 2022.
