Western Equatoria elects new athletics leaders
Four officials will promote athletics and build sports structures across the state’s 10 counties.
Western Equatoria State has elected a new leadership for its athletics federation, dissolving the Yambio Local Athletics Association. The election on Thursday brought in four new officials to promote athletics development and create opportunities for young talents across the state’s 10 counties.
The new officials are President Jackson Gaaniko, Deputy President Mbabazi Desire, Secretary-General Angel Tata, and Finance Secretary Malesh Ramadan. Col. Beatrice Safari of the National Athletics Federation announced the dissolution and urged the new leadership to represent all 10 counties and prepare athletes for the Third Republican Athletics Championships in Juba.
President Gaaniko pledged to identify and nurture local talent, organize competitions, and strengthen state-level structures. He also aims to establish an inclusive leadership structure involving coaches and advisers to promote transparency and accountability, calling for support from government institutions and development partners.
Why it mattersAthletes and young people in Western Equatoria will benefit from new leadership focused on talent development and inclusive participation in sports.