Brookside splashes Sh35m on East Africa school games

Brookeside Marketing Manager Peter Wesonga address at Panafric Hotel during the launch of 16th Edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association games to kick-off this weekend in Gulu, Uganda. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

• Brookside splashes Sh35m on East Africa school games
• this is the ninth consecutive year that Brookside will be sponsoring the games

Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) received a timely boost from milk processing company Brookside Dairy Limited for this year’s regional games that begin at the weekend in Gulu, Uganda.

The company gave Sh35 million for the 16th edition of the games that will bring together students from six East African countries.

This is the ninth consecutive year that Brookside will be sponsoring the games, which keep growing, since the first edition in 2002.

Speaking during the launch of the games yesterday in Nairobi, FEASSSA President Justus Mugisha said with their sponsors' support, sports in the region would continue to grow.

“When we began 16 years ago, we had less disciplines. I’m delighted to say that the number has increased over the years and it’s all because of the support and sponsorship from Brookside,” Mugisha said.

“Nurturing sports talent was one of our main objectives and looking at the Uganda national teams, I can proudly say that we have achieved great success because all the players have gone through these games.”

His sentiments were echoed by FEASSSA and Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association Secretary General David Ngugi, who said besides nurturing talent, they had succeeded in uniting the region.

“We targeted East Africa integration and we have succeeded. We have also maximized on sports opportunities for our youngsters and the ministries of Education within the region are also working together on programmes for our students,” Ngugi said.

Brookside Marketing Manager Peter Wasonga assured their support for both sports and academics, reminding the students to play their hearts out and impress coaches, who will be scouting for talent.

“We are committed to this course and we will continue to encourage good performance in sports and academics. To all players, this is the time to showcase your talent,” Wasonga said. [Elizabeth Mburugu]