The President of the Federation of East Africa School Sports Associations (FEASSA) welcomed East Africa to Morogoro for the 23rd FEASSA Games, describing the championship as a powerful expression of regional integration, friendship and shared purpose.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony at Jamhuri Stadium, Morogoro, the FEASSA President expressed gratitude to the Government of Tanzania, the Ministry of Education and the Morogoro Regional Administration and Local Organizing Committee for the preparations that have brought the Games to the city.
“This is not just a competition. This is East African integration in motion. This is Watu wa Afrika Mashariki — One People, One Destiny.”
Tanzania Welcomes the FEASSA Family
The 2026 edition marks the fifth time that Tanzania has hosted the FEASSA Games, bringing together schools and young athletes from across the East African Community.
This year’s championship features 346 teams from five EAC countries — Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi — competing across Secondary, Primary and Special Needs Education (SNE) categories for both boys and girls.
More than 8,000 athletes, officials and referees are participating in the Games, turning Morogoro into a major gathering of East African school sport.
“Morogoro Has Set a New Standard”
A key highlight of the FEASSA President’s address was the recognition given to Morogoro for its organisation and hospitality.
The President shared feedback from one of the participants praising the city’s welcoming people, security, refreshments, food, accommodation, reliable water and electricity, quality competition venues and the warm use of Kiswahili.
The participant described Morogoro as the best FEASSA organiser they had experienced, highlighting the positive experience being delivered to teams and officials throughout the Games.
The FEASSA President described this reception as a reflection of Tanzania’s hospitality and the spirit of East Africa.
“That is the spirit of Tanzania. That is the spirit of East Africa.”
He went on to express appreciation to Morogoro and the Government of Tanzania on behalf of the participating countries.
A Host City Winning Hearts
The positive response from participants has extended beyond the competition venues.
The FEASSA President revealed that some participants had already asked whether Morogoro could be given another opportunity to host the Games next year, with some joking that they were ready to “use an aeroplane to come.”
For the FEASSA President, such a response represents the highest compliment a host can receive.
He urged the FEASSA Council and member countries to recognise and learn from successful hosting experiences, emphasising that excellence in organisation deserves to be acknowledged.
Athletes Urged to Be Ambassadors of East Africa
Addressing the student-athletes, the FEASSA President reminded them that they carry a responsibility beyond the competition arena.
“You are ambassadors.”
He encouraged them to compete with pride, respect their opponents and officials, and use the Games to create friendships that cross national borders.
He also challenged the young competitors to allow the Games to teach them important values of discipline, health, unity and excellence.
EADB Backs the Future of East African Youth
The FEASSA President also recognised the important contribution of sponsors and development partners whose support is helping make the 2026 Games possible.
Among those acknowledged was the East Africa Development Bank (EADB), whose sponsorship represents an investment in the development and empowerment of East Africa’s young people.
In his remarks, the FEASSA President thanked EADB and other development partners for supporting the Games, stressing that investment in youth is an investment in the region’s future leaders and champions.
“You are investing in the future leaders and champions of East Africa.”
The partnership highlights the important role that institutions such as EADB can play in supporting initiatives that bring East African communities together and provide young people with opportunities to develop through sport.
“Morogoro Is Ready. East Africa Is Ready.”
With the competition venues prepared and delegations ready, the FEASSA President declared that the stage had been set for the championship.
“The venues are ready. Morogoro is ready. East Africa is ready.”
He then formally invited the Chief Guest to officially open the 23rd FEASSA Games Morogoro 2026, marking the beginning of a championship built around sport, youth, friendship and East African unity.
The address concluded with an energetic call that captured the spirit of the Games:
“Michezo ianze! Let the Games Begin! Tuko pamoja! Tushinde pamoja!”
Morogoro welcomes thousands of young athletes to compete, connect and celebrate the shared identity of Watu wa Afrika Mashariki — One People, One Destiny.
Through its support for FEASSA 2026, EADB joins FEASSA in investing in a generation of young East Africans whose talent, discipline, friendships and shared experiences will help shape the region’s future.
