Chairman, Federation of African University Sports (FASU)
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UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
SPEECH BY PROF. GEORGE A.O. MAGOHATHE VICE-CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI, DURING THE CLOSING CEREMONY FOR THE 7TH ALL AFRICAN UNIVERSITY GAMES CLOSING CEREMONY ON THURSDAY JULY17, 2014 AT THE CHANCELLOR’S COURT AT 1.00 P.M
Chairman, Federation of African University Sports (FASU)
Vice-Chancellor, UoN
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Ladies and Gentlemen
On behalf of the University of Nairobi community, I am happy to be here to witness the end of what has been a most exciting 7th Edition of the University Games. These games no doubt have been a powerful socializing agent, allowing all of us to network, meet new friend and gain new values.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to challenge all of us to reflect on how we competed, and the lessons learnt, while competition was inevitable, it was important to compete fairly. As you look back, can you say without fear of contradiction that you competed fairly? That you did not foul your opponent to disadvantage him or her. Even when you noted that the referee may have been looking the other way. Were you able to control your emotion against all odds and remember to shake the opponents hands at the end of the match albeit the fact that he or she seemed to have been overly aggressive during play. When the opponent fell down due to what may have been construed to have been an unfair tackle, did you give your hand to them to help them stand? These are the values that prompt the question “Am I my brother’s keeper?” These are the values that make sports at this level so important to the theme of the games ‘Peace and solidarity in Africa through University sports’ and are fundamental to sports.
I salute all our sportsmen and women who found time to come for the Nairobi 2014 Games. I am sure you are carrying away fond memories from the 7th Edition of the games. I hope you found time out of your busy schedules in the fields to experience the social aspects of Nairobi.
Sports, continues to be an avenue where both the young and the old can safely deal with the stresses of life. It provides an opportunity for interactions. But, most importantly,it is an avenue of health. That’s why it is important that we continue to participate at the highest level. As you go back to your universities, consider that as one of the important.
Thank you for your participation and wish you a successful journey back home.