South Sudan is celebrating the first anniversary of independence with a number of sports events including a marathon.
National minister for culture, youth and sports, Cirino Hiteng Ofuho, told reporters this morning in Juba that athletics, basketball, and football will be part of Independence Day celebrations, Bakhita Radio reported.He said the Government wants to revive sports – and athletics in particular – in South Sudan.
Dr Hiteng announced that the Juba Marathon takes place on July 7. In July 8, there is the final of a basketball tournament and on July 10 a football match.
The events are sponsored by the Government, South Sudan Athletics Association, United Agency and a number of other organizations.
Dr Hiteng said sports activities will be annual events preceding the celebrations of Independence Day.
Mugoma Annie is United Agency coordinator for the Independence Marathon. She said the event wants to identify talented athletes in South Sudan to compete at national, regional and international level.
She revealed that her agency plans to develop an Athletics Camp in South Sudan in collaboration with the Government to train potential young women and men.
The female and male marathoners will run 21, 10 and five-kilometre races under the theme “Run for peace.”