East Africa Local Authorities Sports and Cultural Association (EALASCA) games have kicked off in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County this Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
The games, held annually had been halted the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
But with the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions by various governments across the East African region, the EALASCA games are now back.
To mark the official start of the games, a delegation from Uganda, the last country to host them, paid a visit to Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago.
During the visit, Mandago was handed over the chain, signaling taking over the host role from the neighboring country.
He also welcomed all the delegations from East African countries that will be participating in different disciplines.
“I want to assure all delegates of a good stay in Eldoret and the lovely welcoming people of the county,” Mandago said.
The county boss also rallied locals to turn up in large numbers to cheer, watch and meet the people from the East African Community.
According to Mandago, EALASCA games have helped to improve the diplomatic relationships in the region.
“These games are bringing people down from the capital, ambassador’s offices to people-to-people relationships,” he noted.
“We are also enhancing relationships through games,” the governor added.
The EALASCA games, Mandago notes, have also helped grow domestic tourism and business network across the East African region.
He said local tourism can help ensure the sector flourishes.
“Through these games, we have witnessed people traveling all over the countries courtesy of such programs that bring in citizens from different nationalities. And we want to grow this sector. We don’t want to remain in bondage by thinking that tourists must come from the west for the sector to do well. It is possible for the sector to thrive when East African citizens travel across the countries,” Mandago noted.
The EALASCA games will be staged at the Eldoret Sports Club for the whole week.