Jonglei pledges to develop sport as part of efforts to promote peace and unity
October 1, 2014 (BOR) – The state government of South Sudan’s Jonglei state has urged youth to engage in sport to promote peace and unity among different ethnic groups living in the state, pledging to promote it nationally.
The winners will represent Jonglei in the national championships in the capital, Juba, next week.
State Cup winners White Bull were awarded 800 South Sudanese pounds (SSP) from rhe ministry of sport, with the runners-up also receiving 500 SSP.
Both teams also received a gift of 5,000 SSP each from the state deputy governor,
Addressing the players and supporters in Jonglei’s freedom square, deputy governor Baba Medan said football has helped promote unity among Bor’s diverse ethnic groups.
“Sport is brings unity among the people. It creates good relation among people; we divide ourselves, supporting different teams, people cheer and laugh”, said Baba.
He said his government is keen to continue promoting peace and unity among the people through sports.
“Sports create a common ground where people meet and interact. If there is no sport, we cannot come from our offices to freedom,” he said.
“The government will support the sport. We know that there are no good playgrounds, but we will stand with you,” he added.
The minister of sport, culture and heritage, Peter Chol, wished the White Bull team success at the championships next week.
“With the nature of the field and our conditions [we] cannot allow anybody to play, but you took courage to make preparation. I wish you success in Juba next week,” said the minister.
Meanwhile, the acting director-general in the ministry of sport, Garang Majok, warned the players to distinguish themselves from White Bull in Juba, a beer company operating in the capital.
“Don’t let your name be confused with White Bull in Juba. Just be careful so that we differentiate our White Bull in Jonglei state [to] that White Bull in Juba,” he said.
(ST)