AMISOM troops hand over sports pitch and donate sports equipment

AMISOM troops based at Afmadhow recently handed over a Volleyball pitch and sports equipment which included balls, nets and uniforms to the local community.

The pitch which was constructed by AMISOM troops was handed over by Commanding Officer, Lt Col Jackson Lesaiyo at a ceremony presided by Afmadhow DC Mr. Musa Aden, flanked by OCPD Mr. Har Sheikh Ali, Somali National Army Commander Lt Col Salah, local leaders and enthusiastic youth.

In his remarks, Lt Col Lesaiyo spoke of the importance of having social welfare facilities in the society.

“Facilities such as the one we have handed over today enable the local people, especially the youth to meet as brothers and sisters, bond and engage in meaningful activity that does not only give them skill in sporting disciplines but also improves their physical fitness. It also fills idle time when they are not engaged in other gainful activities,” Lt Col Lesaiyo said.

On his part, DC Aden thanked the AMISOM troops for their thoughtful and timely contribution to the local community, saying that social amenities were key, not only for engaging the youth in meaningful activity but also as a tool for de-radicalization, a matter that the Federal Government has as its priority.

“During periods of socialization such as when playing volleyball and other sports, we get opportunity to talk to our youth on a myriad of issues that affect us. Because of the interest the youth have in sports, sporting activities then become avenues for local leadership to engage the youth and combat radicalization.  Sport therefore becomes a weapon to combat Al Shabaab and other enemies of the Somali people,” the DC said.

Thereafter, in an inaugural match on the new pitch watched by members of the public between the local team and AMISOM, the peacekeepers emerged the winners after blanking their opponents 3-0.

The troops also shared snacks and refreshments with the locals to crown the day.

Earlier, on December 3, 2015, AMISOM troops held a football match with the locals and donated football equipment to local teams.

Afmadhow falls under Sector 2 of AMISOM which is under the management of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF). The other three sectors are managed by troops drawn from Ethiopia, Uganda, Burundi and Djibouti.