Panyijiar Sports Tournament 2008 Concludes

Nuer traditional dance at the opening of the tournament ( Picture by James Kuony Kueth (Ganyliel, Panyijiar County, Nov. 2008)

December 1, 2008 – Ganyliel- Unity State

Last year the youths of Panyijiar County, Unity State, had their first sporting tournament in the post Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) era at home. The tournament which had six football teams and six volleyball teams took place in Nyal town - Nyal Payam, on November 15 and ended on the November 18^th, 2007. The tournament at the time was opposed by some community elders and parents who thought of it as too radical and threatening to the Nuer traditional cultures. The parents argued that it would spoil their children specially the girls. However, after the tournament concluded last year, the parents had a change of minds and hearts. They congratulated the youths and said the tournament was exciting and enjoyable than threatening. Thereafter, they gave green light to the youths of all genders to participate wherever and whenever possible.

Two volleyball girls teams fighting for a title (Picture by James Kuony Kueth, Nov.2008)

This year the youths of Panyijiar County did it again. Under the influence of Both Par, Tutbak Makuan Mar, Ruon Gatluak Yieh and James Kuony Kueth, the youths gathered in Ganyliel town - Ganyliel Payam to continue the practice. Even though the number of volleyball teams for boys and girls remained the same, the number of team players increased. Unlike last year, there were ten football teams. Moreover, there was larger crowd drawn from different Payams in the County, who keenly watched and cheered. At the opening of the tournament, Nuer cultural dance and short plays were performed. The events began on November 17^th but did not end until on November 29, 2008. The winning teams were handed trophies and certificates by former Panyijiar County Commissioner Joseph Nhial Ruach and former SPLM- County Secretary Gatkoi Bilieu amongst other elders and leaders.

The Champions of the 2008 girls' volleyball tournament (Picture by James Kuony Kueth, Nov.2008)

The tournament was once again an excitement for the youths who participated as it was to the crowd present. The youth leaders hope to improve the tournament for more youths to pick interest in the games and hopefully participate next year and the years to come.

By James Kuony Kueth, one of the youth leaders.