Yei hosts a ‘run for peace’ marathon

Yei hosts a ‘run for peace’ marathon

Yei hosts a ‘run for peace’ marathon

22 Jun 2017

Yei hosts a ‘run for peace’ marathon

James Sokiri

Over 200 men and women from Yei River State participated in a ‘peace marathon’ organised by UNMISS in conjunction with the Ministry of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports. The first twelve finishers, six men and six women, were named Peace Champions and they received prizes.

Participants, both young and old, displayed messages of peace on placards:  “We need freedom of movement; We need justice; We need good governance and love; We need access to farming.”

The race was divided into two categories, 8 kilometers which drew participants mainly from able-bodied youth groups such as Yei Local Football Association, Yei Boxing Association, Yei Women Association, Boda Boda Association, Blockers Association, Scouts Association and others. The second race covered 4 kilometers elderly runners participants and people with special needs.

“When you want to have peace, there is a roadmap to follow,” said Anne Schuit, UMISS CAD Officer.  “Along the way, there may be hurdles or obstacles trying to distract you from reaching that goal. However, determination, coupled with perseverance and hard work, with each participant contributing effortlessly towards the same objective will help overcome those obstacles.”

Ms. Schuit emphasized that the road to peace might seem easy at first, but that it would get harder and harder as it nears accomplishment, as the players would probably get tired and frustrated along the way. 

Although a few participants received prizes, Schuit said that in this race there were no winners and losers as the goal of the marathon was for all to reach the end as a symbol of peace, collectively.

“Peace is a process which needs people to work together in order to achieve it,” she added.

Speaking at the event, Stephen Ladu Onesimo, Yei River State’s Minister of Information, Culture Youth and Sports, said “For a long time, Yei has had numerous problems. This year we have to ensure that calm and stability return to Yei.”

Solomon Musema, a runner from Yei said that people from different tribes coming together and running together shows signs of peace, love and unity. “What we need now is good governance through equal distribution of wealth,” he said.

Tumalu Jackeline from Yei River State Secretariat said the day was a blessing to her as it gave her the possibility to become part of a process that sought to promote durable peace. “The event has given us the freedom to express ourselves as women,” she said. “Women often feel removed from participating in many things, but today I am very happy because we have participated. We need good governance, unity and cooperation so that we can build our nation.”