The athletics federation in Western Equatoria State has elected a new leadership following the dissolution of the Yambio Local Athletics Association, in a move aimed at strengthening athletics development and creating opportunities for young talents across the state’s ten counties.
The election, held on Thursday, ushered in four new officials who will lead efforts to promote athletics and establish stronger sports structures across the state.
The newly elected officials are President Jackson Gaaniko, Deputy President Mbabazi Desire, Secretary-General Angel Tata and Finance Secretary Malesh Ramadan.
Speaking during the election, Col. Beatrice Safari, Women’s Representative of the National Athletics Federation, announced the dissolution of the Yambio Local Athletics Association and called on the new leadership to establish an inclusive athletics structure representing all ten counties.
“I am urging all of you to cooperate and work together, engaging all the bomas to take the name of Western Equatoria State forward in athletics across South Sudan,” she said.
She also encouraged the federation to prepare athletes for the upcoming Third Republican Athletics Championships in Juba, saying Western Equatoria should have a strong athletics structure by 2027 to identify, develop and motivate talented young people.
Safari further urged the new leadership to demonstrate unity, commitment and good management in building a strong athletics federation.
Meanwhile, Tomoyo David, representing the Western Equatoria State Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, congratulated the newly elected officials and commended delegates for participating in the democratic process.
He said the election demonstrated the confidence members had placed in the new leadership, adding that the elected officials now had a responsibility to serve those who entrusted them with the mandate.
He urged the leadership to work closely with athletes, young people and other stakeholders, listen to their concerns and ensure inclusive participation in athletics development across the state.
In his appreciation message following his election, the newly elected President, Jackson Gaaniko, thanked the youth, community representatives and delegates for their support and confidence.
Gaaniko pledged to work with athletes and sports stakeholders without discrimination or favoritism, emphasizing that all ten counties deserve equal attention and representation.
“My priorities will include identifying and nurturing local talent, organizing athletics competitions, strengthening county and state-level structures, and creating opportunities for athletes to represent Western Equatoria at national and international competitions,” he said.
The new president also pledged to establish an inclusive leadership structure involving coaches, technical teams, advisers and other stakeholders to promote teamwork, transparency, accountability and effective management.
He called on government institutions, development partners, sports associations, youth and well-wishers to support the federation, stressing that athletics development requires collective effort.
The four newly elected officials are expected to lead efforts to organize athletics activities, strengthen the federation’s structures, promote sports education and develop local talent across Western Equatoria State.
The election marks a new chapter for athletics in the state, with the new leadership expected to build a united and inclusive federation representing all ten counties.
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