The much cherished University games saw the dawn of a new day, as the Olympic torch was lit at the Douala University complex 1 on the 3rd of May 2014.
The 17thEdition of the University games, that brings together State and Private Universities with other Higher Institutions of learning was marked by a presence of the Minister of Higher Education, Minister of Youth and Physical Education, the President of FENASU, the Governor of the Littoral region, Government Delegate to the Douala Urban City Council, Pro-chancellors, Vice-chancellors, Rectors of various Institutions, the Mayor of Douala 5, the S.D.O, the D.O, traditional rulers, guest, athletes and participants among others. The occasion witnessed the presence of over 3000 athletes. It was animated by a breath taking parade of the host University and a march of the delegations from the different Institutions present in the this order: UBa, UB, UDs, UMa, UN,UY I,UY II,INJS, ESTP, ENSPT, UCAC, UdM ,IUG, SIANTU ,NPB ,St JEROME, CUIB, ISEM, UDla.
Minister cautions athletes to imbibe fair play
The Minister of Higher Education, Pr Jacques Fame Ndongo in his keynote address during the opening ceremony of the University games advised athletes to use the opportunity of the games to promote unity, and sportsmanship which is integral in the theme of this year's games “National integration”.
The Minister thanked the President of FENASU, Pr. Amvam Zollo, the University management, the sponsors of the University games, the Douala City council and the Douala 5 council for their infringing support and contribution towards the hosting of the 17th edition of the university games. He lauded the university's quest in attaining academic excellence and that their contributions in the field of sports were highly appreciated. He encouraged athletes to emulate soccer icons like, the Roving Ambassador; Roger Albert Milla, Joseph Antoine Bell, and Samuel Eto'o who have written their names in bold in the golden sands of time. He called on all the participants to inculcate a good team spirit of peace, fraternity and solidarity. Pr. Fame Ndongo went on and encouraged participants to take advantage of the rehabilitated sporting complex and prove themselves in the world of sports, and enjoined the athletes to see the games as a venue to portray the arts of sports and not as a battle ground.
He ended with a reiteration of the fact that, the price of excellence awarded by the Head of State for the best performing students in all state Universities and Institutions will soon be available. The minister observed that, there was deep need in improving professionalism in universities and institutes of higher learning so as to encourage entrepreneurial ship to meet up with the 2035 vision
Rector of the University of Douala welcomes various delegations
The Rector of the University of Douala, Pr Dieudonné Oyono in his welcome speech, thanked all participants for making it to the University games in Douala. He showered praise to the Governor of the Littoral Region, Delegate to the Douala Urban City Council, Traditional rulers, Sponsors, Organizers and University Community for their immeasurable support in the hosting of the event. Pr Oyono baptized the Games as the games of “National integration” (Concorde Nationale). He pleaded with the different delegations to use this edition of the games to rebuild a spirit of oneness, foster togetherness in our differences, positive thinking even in the face of adversity, and the Olympic spirit and shun contradictions of any kind. He assured all participants of a hitch free game and expressed the determination of the University of Douala at claiming all the medals during the games.
Official Sponsors pledge their support
Mr. Serge Esso, representative of the DG MTN pledged support during the games. He made this declaration during his speech at the event. Mr. Serge Esso added that MTN was committed to support the youths towards attaining developmental values. He reaffirmed their support in promoting national unity
“Bringing students from everywhere to speak one language; the language of sports” he said.
Bell lights the Olympic torch for 2014 Edition in Douala
The Olympic torch brought all the way from Ngaoundéré, the last host of the All University games was received at the Douala University complex 1, by the Rector of the University of Douala and lighted by legendary football icon Joseph Antione Bell, this served as a mark of inspiration for our youth who cheered him along as his ran gently toward the Olympic statue a Big Fish to set the flame ablaze. This colorful event was followed by a parade of over 400 students show casing the abundant traditional values of the Douala people to the admiration of the boiling crowd.
Then the hymn of the University games was sung by the University of Douala choir. The various delegations accompanied by their fan clubs made their entrance with a sublime parade that thrilled the public.
The Minister of Higher Education, Pr Jacques Fame Ndongo, accompanied by the Minister of Youth and Physical Education, Mr. Adoum Garoua, gave a frantic kick to set the ball rolling for the opening match which was played between the girls of the University of Dschang and the host University of Douala. The host university had a jolly rid over the UDs girls. When the final whistle was blown it was 4 goals in favor of the host and zero for UDs. The sporting events are scheduled to continue till the 10th May 2014.