Athletics Federation Calls for Investment to Take South Sudanese Athletes Global

By Simon Deng

The South Sudan Athletics Federation has called on partners to increase investment in sports, emphasizing that greater support is essential to create opportunities for young South Sudanese athletes to compete at regional and international levels.

Majok Ayii, president of the South Sudan Athletics Federation, stated that South Sudan possesses significant athletic potential, which requires collective support to enable the country to compete on the international stage.

“Sport needs collective support. We need investment to build the future of sport in South Sudan. Sport is the future of our young people, and without support, there is no future in sport, particularly athletics,” Ayii said on Saturday during the closing of the Watoto Juba City Marathon.

The Watoto Juba City road race, organized in collaboration with the South Sudan Athletics Federation under the theme “Hope in Every Mile,” featured athletes competing in 21-kilometer, 10-kilometer, and 5-kilometer races.

Atalina Geoffry, also known as Natasha, the women’s half-marathon champion, shared that her journey to being crowned champion at the 2024 African Games in Ghana was challenging.

“It is not easy to participate in athletics events; you gradually grow into a potential champion. We want our government and partners to nurture this potential in athletics,” said Geoffrey.

She added, “My message to all South Sudanese is that athletics is important for the young generation. We want to step up and support our country, to showcase our talent so that our country can gain recognition.”

Edward Satimo Yugu, Director General of Youth and Sport in the national Ministry of Youth and Sport, affirmed the government’s encouragement of private sector investment in community sports nationwide.

“We want sporting events such as the Watoto Juba City Marathon to be organized at the regional level. As the Ministry of Youth and Sports, we urge cooperation with partners to develop community sport,” said Yugu.

He concluded, “Sport is key to development, and we have great potential. In the next three years, South Sudan will have more athletes representing the country at both regional and international levels.”