Kenyan Teams Showcase Dominance at Feasssa Games 2024
Kenyan secondary schools reaffirmed their dominance at the 2024 Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (Feasssa) games, which concluded on Monday in Mbale and Bukedea districts of Eastern Uganda. The week-long event saw Kenyan teams excel across various sports, claiming numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals, and underscoring the country’s strength in school-level athletics within the East African region.
Gold Medal Wins Across Multiple Sports
Kenya’s winning streak was evident in a wide range of sports, with the country securing gold medals in rugby 15s, rugby 7s, girls’ rugby 7s, boys’ and girls’ hockey, boys’ 3×3 basketball, girls’ volleyball, and girls’ 3×3 basketball.
Leading the charge was All Saints Embu, who triumphed in the rugby 15s category. Their victory was complemented by the success of Vihiga Boys and St Joseph’s Kitale Girls, who won gold in the boys’ and girls’ rugby 7s, respectively. Kenya’s hockey teams were also dominant, with Musingu High taking the boys’ title and St Joseph’s Kitale Girls securing the girls’ title.
Basketball saw a continuation of Kenya’s dominance, as Friends School Kamusinga emerged victorious in the boys’ 3×3 basketball event, narrowly defeating Uganda’s Seroma Christian School 14-13 in a nail-biting final. In the girls’ 3×3 basketball, Butere Girls clinched the gold medal with a hard-fought 17-15 victory over Uganda’s St Noa Girls. The volleyball court also witnessed Kenyan success, with Kesogon Mixed securing the girls’ volleyball title after overcoming national champions Kwanthanze in a straight-sets victory.
Silver and Bronze Medals Add to Kenya’s Tally
In addition to the gold medals, Kenyan teams also captured several silver and bronze medals across various sports categories. Nyamira Girls secured silver in girls’ hockey, while St Charles Lwanga took second place in the boys’ hockey competition. Friends School Bwake and Kinale Girls added to the silver tally with their performances in boys’ and girls’ rugby 7s, respectively, while Kwanthanze claimed silver in girls’ volleyball.
Kenyan schools also performed admirably in football, handball, and other disciplines, securing bronze medals in several categories. Musingu High took third place in boys’ football, defeating Uganda’s Bukedea Comprehensive School 3-2 in a closely contested match. Nyakach Girls, known as the Plateau Queens, finished third in girls’ football after an intense 8-7 penalty shootout win over Uganda’s Amus College, following a 2-2 draw in regular time. In boys’ handball, St Luke’s Kimilili secured a bronze medal by defeating compatriots Hospital Hill 16-14.
Tigoi Girls added to Kenya’s bronze medal count with their performance in girls’ hockey, while St Joseph’s Kitale Girls rounded off the medal haul with a third-place finish in girls’ 3×3 basketball.
Success in Athletics
Kenya’s dominance extended beyond team sports, as the country also excelled in athletics, claiming overall titles in both boys’ and girls’ categories. The Kenyan athletes’ outstanding performances on the track and field were a key highlight of the Feasssa games, further solidifying the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in athletics within the region.
Thrilling Finals and Prestigious Attendance
The final day of the Feasssa games was marked by a series of thrilling matches that captivated both participants and spectators. In the boys’ 3×3 basketball final, Friends School Kamusinga edged out Uganda’s Seroma Christian School with a narrow 14-13 victory, thanks to a stellar performance by Shadrack Omariba, who was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP). The girls’ 3×3 basketball final was equally exciting, with Butere Girls overcoming St Noa Girls from Uganda 17-15 in a closely fought contest. Daisy Awino of Butere Girls was named the MVP for her outstanding contributions throughout the tournament.
In volleyball, Kesogon Mixed delivered a masterful performance to defeat national champions Kwanthanze 3-0 (25-16, 25-18, 25-17), securing the gold medal in the girls’ volleyball category. The victory was particularly sweet for Kesogon, as they avenged their previous losses to Kwanthanze in national competitions.
The Feasssa games were graced by International Schools Federation (ISF) president Laurent Petrynka, who attended the closing ceremony. His presence added a prestigious touch to the event, and he commended the athletes for their exceptional performances and sportsmanship.
Conclusion: A Dominant Display by Kenyan Teams
The 2024 Feasssa games concluded with Kenyan teams firmly establishing themselves as the dominant force in East African secondary school sports. With a plethora of gold, silver, and bronze medals across multiple sports, Kenya’s student-athletes demonstrated their prowess and determination, leaving a lasting impression on the competition.
As the games came to a close, the focus now shifts to the future, where these young athletes will continue to hone their skills and prepare for the next challenge. The success of the Kenyan teams at the Feasssa games serves as a testament to the country’s strong sports culture and commitment to nurturing talent, ensuring that Kenya remains a formidable presence in regional and international sports competitions for years to come.
