Let the 6th Inter-Parliamentary Games begin
As the 14th Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations Tournament begins to wind down in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Parliaments in the region are to put aside their debating skills on the floor of the respective Houses, swapping such with sporting skills as the 6th Inter-Parliamentary Games kick off in Kigali, Rwanda.
The Games which take place on 4-11th December 2015 shall feature football, netball, athletics and tug-of-war. Volleyball and golf have also been introduced. Immediately after the official opening, athletics and tug of war shall be held.
The Parliaments have been going through rigorous practice of the same according to spot-check done by the EALA Public Relations Office. A number of delegations are expected to arrive today in readiness for the tournament. Amahoro Stadium shall be used for athletics, tug of war, volleyball and netball while Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo will host soccer.
In soccer, four time champions, Uganda, will be hoping to keep the tempo and are expected to face stiff competition from the rest of the teams. Uganda takes on EALA in the first match on 5th December 2015 in Group A before Parliament of Kenya face off with the Parliament of Rwanda in Group B Match at the Nyamirambo Stadium.
It will be interesting to gauge the strength of the Parliament of Tanzania which has new legislators following the completion of the elections in October 2015.
In Netball, Parliament of Uganda, EALA and Parliament of Tanzania will again be gunning for the honours. In the first game, EALA will take on Parliament of Uganda on Saturday morning before Parliament of Kenya and Parliament of Rwanda take the field.
Last year, the netball game was called off following multiple petitions lodged by the teams against tight deadline as the competition drew to the end.
Athletics is also expected to attract attention with the following track and field events for both men and women; 100 metres, 400 metres, 1500 metres, and 200 metres. Other events include the 800 metres and the relays. Volleyball and golf disciplines are the new additions to the Inter-Parliamentary games this year.
EALA mooted the idea of the Inter-Parliamentary Games tournament in the Year 2009. The games were institutionalised as an annual activity of the EALA and the National Assemblies. At the same time, the games were initiated to enhance interaction with the citizenry of the Partner States and as a mode of sensitisation and popularisation of the Regional Integration process.
Under the arrangement, EALA coordinates the tournament while the hosting National Assembly / Parliament organises and offers other logistical support to ensure a successful tournament.
The EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games tournament is a key aspect of building relations between the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the National Assemblies in the EAC region in line with Article 49(2)(a) of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community.
Out of the need to ensure the smooth organisation of the games, a Joint Committee made up of EALA Members and Members from the National Assemblies was constituted.The Joint Committee met prior to the games to agree on the fundamental principles including the review of the Rules and Regulations guiding the tournaments.
The Inter-Parliamentary Games shall be preceded by a Pre-Tournament Conference where Members and staff are expected to bond in a relaxed atmosphere therefore, building harmony prior to the commencement of the Inter-Parliamentary Games.