Western Equatoria State Elects New Athletics Federation Leadership

The athletics federation in Western Equatoria State has elected a new leadership following the dissolution of the Yambio Local Athletics Association. This move aims to strengthen athletics development and create opportunities for young talents across the state's ten counties. The election, held on Thursday, November 9, 2026, ushered in four new officials. They 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. Col. Beatrice Safari, Women's Representative of the National Athletics Federation, announced the dissolution of the Yambio Local Athletics Association. She called on the new leadership to establish an inclusive athletics structure representing all ten counties.

Col. Beatrice Safari urged the new leadership to cooperate and work together, engaging all the bomas to take the name of Western Equatoria State forward in athletics across South Sudan. She also encouraged the federation to prepare athletes for the upcoming Third Republican Athletics Championships in Juba. Safari emphasized that Western Equatoria should have a strong athletics structure by 2027 to identify, develop, and motivate talented young people.

Tomoyo David, representing the Western Equatoria State Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, congratulated the newly elected officials. He commended delegates for participating in the democratic process, saying the election demonstrated the confidence members had placed in the new leadership. The elected officials now have a responsibility to serve those who entrusted them with the mandate.

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. He emphasized that all ten counties deserve equal attention and representation. His priorities include identifying and nurturing local talent, organizing athletics competitions, and creating opportunities for athletes to represent Western Equatoria at national and international competitions.

Gaaniko also pledged to establish an inclusive leadership structure involving coaches, technical teams, advisers, and other stakeholders. This structure aims 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.

Key points

• The new athletics federation leadership in Western Equatoria State aims to promote athletics development and create opportunities for young talents across the state's ten counties.