By Dorothy Musyoka
The 8th International Council for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sports, and Dance (ICHPER-SD) Africa Regional Congress 2024 has officially commenced with great enthusiasm at Kenyatta University.
Kenyatta University Acting Vice Chancellor (Ag-VC) Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, acknowledged about the university’s legacy in sports and its commitment in advancing in the sector.
“At KU, we are a sports powerhouse. I`m proud to announce that since 1972 our student Samson Ojuka was the first in Africa to win a silver medal at the Paris Paralympic Olympic 2024. Our university is committed to advancing physical development in sports. As KU, we pride ourselves on coming to the realization of the importance of physical activities,” noted Prof.Waceke.
Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Outreach at Kenyatta University, highlighted the significant role of physical education in enhancing mental health.
“Physical education is a powerful tool enhancing mental health. I`m excited to see the outcome of this conference in the area of sports,” Prof. Thoruwa stated.
Prof. Bonaventure Michael Okello Agina, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee for the Congress, highlighted the critical need for research to enhance the abilities of African athletes.
“There is a need to conduct research to improve and discover the abilities of our athletes.” Prof. Agina noted.
His sentiments were echoed by Dr. Juliah Githang’a, Chairperson of the Department of Physical Education, Exercise, and Sports Science, who noted that,”there is a need to take note of athletes contributing to a healthier nation.”
Dr. Yumi Yamane, Director of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Nairobi Station, reinforced the value of collaboration and research in the field of sports.
“We firmly believe in the importance of research and collaboration in the area of sports,” Dr. Yumi stated.
Highlighting the broader impact of sports on health and society, Mr. Ngandeu Ngatta Hugue, Unit Head and Programme Specialist for Social and Human Sciences at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Regional Office for Eastern Africa, shared insights on the transformative power of sports.
“Engaging in extra-curricular activities can reduce cardiovascular disease. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair,” he stated.
Prof. Ebenezer Olatunde Morakinyo, President of ICHPER-SD Africa Region, expressed confidence that the congress would shape the future of physical education, recreation, sports, and dance on the continent.
“I believe the congress will bring the best program in Physical Education, Recreation, Sports and Dance,” Noted the professor.
Representing Dr. Beatrice M. Inyangala, Principal Secretary of the State Department for University Education, Dr. Roselida Owuor, Director of Research at the Directorate for Research, Science, and Technology, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration with stakeholders like ICHPER-SD to strengthen physical education programs.
“The state department for higher education and research is committed to working alongside stakeholders like ICHPERSD to ensure our universities are delivering comprehensive physical education,” she reiterated.
Nancy Kang’ethe, Chief of Staff, Office of the Spouse of the Deputy President, representing Her Excellency Pastor Dr. Dorcas Rigathi, EGH – Spouse of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, emphasized Africa’s immense sporting potential.
“Africa boasts of immense sporting potential. We have a big window of opportunities to harness this potential and position our continent as global leaders in a range of sports, not just athletics. Iam convinced that through this collaboration, Africa can achieve this through design, not by chance,” she said.
As the congress continues over the next few days, it will provide a platform for thought-provoking discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at advancing the fields of health, physical education, recreation, sports, and dance in Africa.