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By Johnathan Paoli
International University Sports Federation (FISU) president Leonz Eder has called for more to be done in ensuring the utilisation of sports in encouraging national growth across the continent.
The 11th Africa University Games, which ends on Sunday, officially commenced with the International University Sports Federation, Federation of Africa University Sports and National University Sports Federations seminar held at the University of Lagos.
It highlighted the role played by sports at a tertiary level in development.
The seminar under the theme “Empowering University Sports: Pathways to Excellence”, gathered key stakeholders in university sports, including vice-chancellors, sports directors and student leaders.
Eder joined virtually, urging African universities to pursue excellence and support one another in advancing university sports.
In the keynote address, he emphasised the importance of university sports as a catalyst for national development, aligning with the African Union’s goals of unity, education and health.
The discussions also centred around strategies for enhancing sports programmes and the benefits of hosting major events, drawing on successful practices from various institutions.
Day two of the seminar emphasised “equity, diversity and inclusion”, with a dedicated session focused on promoting safe environments for all athletes, underscoring the necessity of robust safeguarding policies against abuse and discrimination.
The games marked a historic milestone as they were co-hosted for the first time by two prestigious Nigerian universities, the University of Lagos and Lagos State University.
With participation from 65 universities across Africa, the event showcased the unity and sporting excellence of the continent.
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