Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The European Union has pledged continued support for sports development in South Sudan, citing its role in promoting peace, reconciliation and youth empowerment.
Lothar Jaschke, deputy head of the EU Delegation to South Sudan, made the remarks Thursday during the inauguration of the South Sudan National Olympic Committee’s (NOC) executive board in Juba.
“Sports promote youth development, reduce school dropout rates, address violence against girls and build capacities,” Jaschke said. “National Olympic Committees are not only about sports, but also about putting countries on the global map, engaging in diplomacy, and harnessing the power of sports to promote international relations.”
He pointed to the success of South Sudan’s men’s basketball team, which made its Olympic debut this year, as a symbol of national pride.
“Everybody talks about the South Sudan basketball team. It didn’t only score a huge success in terms of sport, but also carried South Sudan’s name and flag to the world,” he said.
Jaschke praised NOC President Chuol Laam as both a sports leader and a peacemaker with a global voice.
“Sport is a great way to stay healthy in body and mind, to stimulate cognitive processes and facilitate learning,” he said. “If you want to stay handsome – do sports. If you want to stay smart – do sports. If you want to stay healthy – do sports.”
He said sport also boosts self-esteem, encourages social inclusion and promotes cultural diversity, especially for children and adolescents regardless of their background.
The EU official commended South Sudanese Olympians as role models who inspire far beyond the sports arena, and urged their inclusion in national sports policy through advisory councils.
“Sports need structures — Olympic Committees, national federations and high-level events,” Jaschke said, noting South Sudan has 14 sports federations.
He also announced that, for the first time, the UCI Road World Championships will be held in Africa — in Kigali, Rwanda — and expressed hope that South Sudan’s cycling federation would take part.
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