By Louvier Kindo Tombe
When the final whistle blew on Sunday, August 31, it marked the conclusion of a month-long celebration of athletic skill, teamwork, and community spirit. For weeks, young athletes from host communities, refugees, and IDPs had competed in football, volleyball, and athletics, showcasing talent, determination, and camaraderie.
But the real highlight of the closing ceremony was not the medals or trophies—it was a workshop on peaceful and inclusive electoral participation, a timely initiative linking the lessons of sports with the responsibilities of citizenship ahead of Cameroon’s October 12 presidential election.
Sports as a Catalyst for Civic Responsibility
Over 40 participants took part in the workshop, facilitated by renowned experts, including Mr. Stein Auguste, who emphasized the unifying power of sports:
“Sports help young people disconnect from the tensions that could mar society. It’s a unifying subject,” he said.
“Sports is one of the key drivers that could be used to promote peace in Cameroon, for it is a space where all political sensitivities meet.”
According to Local Youth Corner (LOYOC), the workshop was particularly impactful for youth and displaced populations, who often face barriers to political engagement.
“Whenever dialogue is broken, that is when danger becomes more apparent,” Auguste added.
Participants explored how teamwork and problem-solving on the field could translate into responsible voting, inclusivity, and peaceful electoral participation. Interactive exercises simulated voting scenarios and discussed ways communities could collaborate to ensure transparency and fairness in elections.
One participant reflected “I never realized that the lessons from football—working together, following rules, respecting teammates—could help me participate responsibly.”
A host community member added “Even with our challenges, this workshop reminded us that our voices matter and that we can contribute peacefully to democracy.”
“On the field, we respect the whistle and follow the rules. At the polling station, it is the same—we follow procedures and respect others’ choices,” said one young athlete.
Organizers emphasized that civic engagement is a shared responsibility and encouraged participants to return to their communities to raise awareness about voter rights and the importance of inclusivity.
Planting Trees, Planting Values
The jamboree also included a tree planting activity, linking environmental stewardship with civic responsibility. Participants planted hundreds of seedlings around the venue, symbolizing growth, sustainability, and the long-term impact of responsible actions—whether on the field, in the community, or at the ballot box.
“Just as we nurture these trees, we must nurture our democracy. Both require care, attention, and commitment,” said one organizer.
Reflecting Through Focus Group Discussions
To deepen learning, participants engaged in a focus group discussion, sharing insights from the workshop, sports competitions, and tree planting activities. The discussions provided a space for reflection, dialogue, and problem-solving, allowing communities to explore practical ways to promote peaceful, inclusive participation in the upcoming election.
During the discussion, participants exchanged strategies for peer-to-peer education, voter sensitization, and community mobilization, ensuring that lessons from the jamboree could ripple beyond the event. Youth leaders committed to returning to their neighborhoods to share knowledge, reinforcing the link between sports, civic responsibility, and community engagement.
A Celebration Beyond Medals
While the workshop, tree planting, and focus group were the highlights, the jamboree also celebrated athletic achievement and community solidarity. Awards were given to outstanding athletes, teams, and volunteers. Music, dance, and festive activities added color to the closing ceremony, reinforcing the event’s dual mission of sport and civic education.
The jamboree proved that sports, environmental action, and democracy are interconnected. By linking athletic engagement with civic responsibility, organizers showed that communities—especially youth and marginalized populations—can learn how to participate peacefully and inclusively in shaping their country’s future.
The Na We We Sports Jamboree 2025 leaves a lasting impression: communities empowered with knowledge about their rights, inspired to participate responsibly, and reminded that unity, fairness, and teamwork extend beyond the sports field into civic life.
“Through sports, we learned more than how to win games—we learned how to be responsible citizens and protect the future of our communities. That is the real victory,” said a participant.
As Cameroon prepares for October 12, the jamboree demonstrates that games, environmental action, and civic engagement can go hand in hand, offering hope that citizens—young and old, displaced and settled—can approach the polls with unity, respect, and a commitment to inclusive democracy.
