South Sudan Olympic Body Plans Revival of Inter-School Sports by Year End

(JUBA) – The South Sudan National Olympic Committee has announced plans to revive inter-school sports competitions across the country by the end of 2025, with efforts underway to raise funds and build partnerships with national and international stakeholders.

Secretary General of the Olympic Committee, Tong Chor Malek Deran, made the remarks while addressing members of the South Sudanese delegation participating in the inaugural African School Games in Algeria. He said collaboration is being sought with organisations such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the Korean Mission in Juba, and the Government of South Sudan.

According to Deran, the inter-school sports initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of General Education, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and governors across South Sudan’s states. He emphasised the importance of reviving these competitions to promote youth development and strengthen national unity through sports.

“We are trying to reintroduce inter-school competitions this year,” he said. “We want to raise funds from JICA, UNMISS, the Korean Mission, the South Sudan government, and our Olympic Committee to make this happen.”

The announcement comes as South Sudan prepares to participate in the first African School Games, which will take place from 26 July to 5 August 2025 in Algiers, Algeria. The games are expected to attract over 3,000 young athletes and coaches from 51 countries across the continent, according to the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA). South Sudan will field athletes in track and field, boxing, and basketball.

During the same meeting, Martin Tako Moyi, the Deputy Minister for General Education and Instruction, encouraged the student-athletes to represent their country with discipline and pride. He urged them to stay focused and honour South Sudan on the international stage.

“You are going to represent South Sudan in this sporting event,” Moyi said. “I ask the Sports Activity Department in the Ministry of Education to develop a programme and include this in the national budget proposal to be presented to the Council of Ministers and Parliament, so we can bring back school sports.”

The revival of school sports has been widely viewed as a key step in promoting physical education, fostering young talent, and providing students with opportunities to excel beyond academics. Inter school competitions were once a central part of student life in South Sudan but have largely faded due to conflict, economic challenges and limited infrastructure.

Efforts to revive these competitions are likely to depend on external support. Based on current official exchange rates, the government and its partners would need to mobilise significant resources.