The impact of east African regional cooperation on sport and physical education
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Date
2001
Authors
Boit, Michael K.
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Abstract
The re-unification of the East African countries, namely
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania comes at a most opportune
time when countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America are
forming regional blocks to promote cultural, political and
most importantly a wider market for greater economic
prosperity. As for instance, the European Union, example,
with a single currency, provides a testimony that in order to
avert recession forging a united front directly creates a
stronger economy. Sport has a significant role in the case of
the East African Co-operation, Sports will provide one of the
means to strengthen the friendship ties an among the
three countries.
This paper assesses the historical perspectives of sporting
ties, in the region at colonial time and during East African
Community period. With the background information, it is
hypothesized that the prospect of sports under the
rejuvenated and renewed co-operation will be characterized
by high-tech and information revolution. In order for sports
to prosper, therefore, research and development must
assume a center stage. This will not be accomplished
without good programmes in Physical Education and
Sport science.
The main responsibility of Physical Education and Sport
science Departments will be the enhancement, enrichment
and cultivation of knowledge of physical education
instructors, sports coaches, researchers and other sports
professionals. The continent of Africa has generally lagged behind when it comes to physical education and sport
because sport has not been associated with economic
development. This attitude will have to change because
among the developed countries sport has played an
important role in the process of nation building. Besides,
the economic and social-political gains, sport is associated
with health standards, which directly contributes to
economic vibrancy.
With better economy, the three nations will afford to allocate
more financial resources to sport development and sports
facilities. Frequent competitive matches among the three
countries will certainly raise the standards and this will
translate into sports excellence and more Olympic medals.
In addition, the soccer teams from the region will stand
better chances of playing at Continental and World
Championship like the World Cup. The co-operation will,
therefore, bring hope to Sports and Physical Education in
the region.
Description
A paper presented at the 1st East African regional conference on physical, education, sport, health recreation and dance hosted by Makerere University & Kyambogo University,13th - 16th December, 2001