East African Business Week (Kampala)
Walter Isenged
3 March 2008
Bujumbura — Burundi were victors at the Second East Africa Zone Judo Championships titled "Peace Championship" that ended in Bujumbura on February 24 at the Ecole Francaise de Bujumbura.
With 12 medals in the bag, Burundi came top in the event that saw six nations taking part. In second place was Zanzibar with eight medals, Kenya with five medals and Tanzania came fourth with just two. While the quartet was busy in the ring, Rwanda and Uganda only sent officials as they failed to assemble full teams.
In an exclusive interview to East African Business Week, Mr. Valery Manirakiza, President of Bujumbura Judo Federation and also Vice President of the East Africa Zone Federation, revealed that these championships would be held annually.
He also said the federation was in the process of formulating a constitution and, with the help of a representative from the International Judo Federation, Mr. Juan Barcos, a referee director, referees were trained ahead of the next referee examination to be conducted by African Judo Union.
"This tournament was an improvement from last year's inaugural tournament in which only four nations; Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania and Zanzibar participated. This year, there were more athletes than last year and the competition was therefore at a higher level," said Mr. Manirakiza.
The presidency of the East Africa Zone Judo Federation is currently held by Kenya. After the competition, a congress was held to discuss the next championship due in Zanzibar early next year.
Africa is divided into five zones and the East Africa zone comprises of the 10 countries; Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zanzibar.
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