The euphoria that characterized the launching of the Na-We-We Sports Jamboree on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at the Lycee Polyvalent de Bonaberi, Douala was inestimable as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the North/South West Regions of Cameroon and Host Community Members in Douala played together and were glad together as one people. The official launching ceremony took place in the presence of our esteemed partners, and media organs and was officiated by the Littoral Regional Delegate for Youth Affairs and Civic Education who is also the Personal Representative of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education Nang Teresttra. 

The Na-We-We Sports Jamboree which seeks to foster social cohesion, and dialogue, influence good behavior and promote peace between IDPs from the NorthWest/ Southwest Regions of Cameroon and Host Communities in Douala, saw a massive turnout at the opening ceremony. Over three thousand (3000) people including IDPs, Host Community members, and spectators rallied to experience the uniting force of sports at the opening ceremony.

Warming up to the official opening ceremony, teams, officials of LOYOC, and some partners converged for an aerobatics session. This session was characterized by stretching, energetic dancing, and muscle relaxation.

Talking to the media, Nang Teresttra emphasized that “Sport is a strong tool of unity. I applaud the organizers, LOYOC, for this great initiative because it will permit the young IDPs to once more enjoy the values of life. It will as well enable them to abstain from crimes and illegal actions. Sport helps to bind people together so they can live together as one. This is what we expect to see at the end of this youth sports jamboree bringing together IDPs and persons from the Host Community in Douala”

Aside from aerobatics, the launching ceremony was also marked by an opening women’s football match played between teams Solidarity FC and Unity; a mix of IDPs and Host Community Members. The ladies demonstrated great football skills with Solidarity FC who emerged with six (06) goals to nil. Though Team Unity didn’t register any goal, the team gave birth to the Lady of the match. Long Chanceline who was the goalkeeper of team Unity, stood out as lady of the match for her exceptional commitment to the game, the team spirit she displayed, and the patience with which she played. These great leadership skills earned her an award from the Principal of Rousseau International School Douala, Claire Dipita. 

Some of the female players attested to how much they love this community engagement initiative organized by Local Youth Corner Cameroon. Speaking to our media team, the lady of the match said “Though we didn’t win, I am very pleased with this sports jamboree because it is helping me to learn how to interact with other people, especially with my fellow women. The football match has helped me learn more football skills and know-how to play and interact with others”

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Supported by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and accompanied by our partners; Dash Media, Orange Cameroon, KB Empower Foundation, Whaspito, and a host of task force members, the Na-We-We Sports Jamboree will run till August 27m 2022 with at least a game every weekend. It shall feature eight teams of Football girls and boys, Handball girls, Basketball boys, Dancing competition, and other leisure activities.