Burundi will host the first edition of the East African Community games from 16th to 30th August 2018 in Bujumbura, Ngozi and Gitega towns.
The statement CRN got, says the games are under the theme: ‘Fostering East African Community integration and peace through sports’.
The games will include athletics, football, handball, basketball, netball, volleyball, tennis, rugby, judo, karate, boxing and taekwondo among the six states of the Community.
The games are in recognition of the important role sports play to reinforce the spirit of East African unity and development among the East African people.
EAC Secretary-General Ambassador Liberat Mfumukeko says the games are to showcase the diverse sporting talents and provides a platform for exchange, learning and celebration.
He adds that East Africa also wants to make the event attractive to the public to enable the Community to move across borders to interact freely within the region.
The Secretary-General discloses that the Burundian government has already extended invitations to member states to participate in the games.
EAC Principal Sports and Culture Officer Bernard Bakaye Lubega says they are expecting 106 VIPs, 291 match officials, 310 team administrators and 1,630 players in various sports.