Congratulations are in order for EALA - the Inter-Parliamentary Soccer Champions
That EALA dethroned four time soccer champions, Parliament of Uganda 4-3 on post-match penalties to win the Inter-Parliamentary Games Football tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, was by all standards a remarkable feat…… It was celebrated.
And on Thursday, EALA passed a Motion for a Resolution hailing Members and Staff for their exemplary performance at the 6th Inter-Parliamentary Games Tournament held in Kigali, Rwanda in December 2015.
The Motion which was moved by Hon. Bernard Mulengani and seconded by Hon. Christophe Bazivamo, lauded the football team for making history.
The Motion recalled that the Inter-Parliamentary Games Tournament have been held six times to date and that it is the first time in the entire history of the Tournament that EALA / EAC wins gold medals and a trophy in football.
It thus congratulated its football team for defeating Parliament of Uganda to be declared the champions. The Assembly further resolved that it would provide time in every Plenary for its Members and Staff to engage in training and friendly matches since the disciplines have increased. In addition, and with additional resources, the teams would be involved in other tournaments besides the Inter-Parliamentary Games as a means of enhancing outreach in the Partner States.
Other Parliaments’ football teams are forewarned… that the Assembly further vowed that its football team would go ahead and win the next two subsequent tournaments so that it retains the trophy for keeps.
The Assembly also hailed the EAC Speakers’ Bureau for budgetary support leading to the introduction of additional sporting disciplines including netball, volleyball, golf, tug of war and athletics, while encouraging the participation of all National Assemblies and Parliaments in all games.
The motion congratulated other teams of EALA for significant improvements in their performance and as well as participation of the National Assemblies which was exhibited with high level of discipline.
The mover hailed the Members for their commitment and noted that some continued with much determination even in the face of injuries.
During debate, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo lauded the EALA Speaker for leadership which ensured a successful tournament with all teams exhibiting competitiveness and discipline.
Hon. Joseph Kiangoi remarked the Games had broadened integration as legislators from the National Parliaments and Assemblies take the message to the different constituencies in the region.
Hon. Odette Nyiramilimo requested the Speaker to consider Members with special needs, saying it was necessary to introduce games that are favourable to them. Others who supported the Motion included Hon. Isabelle Ndahayo, Hon. Frederic Ngenzebuhoro and Hon. Pierre Celestin Rwigema.
The EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games is a key aspect of building relations between the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the National Assemblies in the EAC region. Article 119 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community obliges the Partner States to promote close co-operation amongst themselves in culture and sports, with respect to the promotion and enhancement of diverse sports activities among other areas.
At the Games, Parliament of Uganda won the netball trophy while Parliament of Kenya won the men’s volleyball tournament, athletics (men) and the overall trophy in athletics. The women’s volleyball trophy went to Parliament of Rwanda.