Fred Vubem
25 April 2008
interview
Prof. Bruno Bekolo Ebe, the rector of the University of Douala.
Four days into the 11th edition of the university games, what do you as the host make of the games so far.
I think that things are going on very well according to plan. I hope that this will be the case till the end of the games. I am very happy to see that there are no major problems as far as food and lodging are concerned and also the competitions.
Rectors of universities and heads of institutions participating in the games just had a meeting during which severe sanctions were meted out on some athletes and officials. What do you have to say about those decisions?
We insisted that people should respect the Olympic principles. It is in this respect that those who do not respect these ethics are severely sanctioned?
What are the chances of your institution in the competition?
I urged all my athletes to win all the gold medals and they have started doing so but I do not believe the challenge will be met. But from their performance so far, I believe they are going to win a significant number of medals.
What is the significance of the university games to you?
I think it is an important moment or rendez-vous for the university youth. It is a means of enhancing national integration. So, it is very important to keep this rendezvous every year.
You had a dual challenge to host the games when you didn't have enough sports infrastructure as well as preparing your athletes for the competition, how did you go about this?
When we were designated to host the games, it is true we didn't have enough sports infrastructure in Douala University, but as you can see for yourself. We made considerable efforts to rehabilitate the existing infrastructure and build new ones. This infrastructure enabled us to train our athletes. The opening ceremony took place at campus B on purpose. We wanted people to know the University of Douala is not only campus A or what is popularly called 'campus ESSET' but also campus B. We recovered the land with the assistance of the urban council and have been carrying out tremendous work there. Such as the pedagogic block that was inaugurated by the Minister on the opening day of the competition.
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