Ministry of Youth and Sports

25/07/2024

25th July, 2024...The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Joseph Geng Akech has departed for Paris to attend the Olympic Games.

Dr Akec is among the high-level government delegation and a dozen of fans attending 2024 Paris Summer Olympics where South Sudan athletes are taking part including our Basketball team, the Bright Stars.

South Sudan plays Puerto Rico this Sunday.

South Sudanese at home will have a chance to watch the games in public squares in their respective state headquarters, which will be provided by the MTN South Sudan in collaboration with government of South Sudan.

25/07/2024

PRESS RELEASE
(For Immediate Release)

The government, in collaboration with MTN South Sudan and South Sudan Basketball Federation is pleased to announce that it’s providing viewing screens for Olympic games in nine states and one Administrative Area.

These areas are:

1. Central Equatoria
2. Northern Bhar el Bhazel
3. Eastern Equatoria
4. Western Equatoria
5. Jonglei
6. Lakes
7. Warrap
8. Western Bhar el Gazel
9. Unity State
10. Abyei Administrative Area

Therefore, the government wishes to invite the public in these locations to go and experience live action by our Bright Stars Basketball team on Sunday 28th, with Puerto Rico; Wednesday 31st, with USA; and Aug. 3rd, with Serbia.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports will provide printed T-shirts for those attending the matches.

In line with our existing partnerships, the Ministry wishes to appreciate the Trinity Energy Limited for putting up promotional billboards in Juba in honour of our basketball stars, and MTN South Sudan for providing public screens.

We look forward to increased collaboration in future.

Dr. Joseph Geng Akech
Minister of Youth and Sports

EEye RadioOOffice of the President - Republic of South SudanUU.S. Embassy Juba, South SudanSSouth Sudan Basketball

25/07/2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Ministry of Youth and Sports takes the pleasure to announce that Nimra talata Basketball arena will be freely live-streaming the Bright Stars Olympics games as they play Puerto Rico, Serbia and USA teams. The government is providing large screens to the public at Nimra talata.

The government under the leadership of H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit takes this opportunity to congratulate the National Basketball team––the Bright Stars––for promoting our country’s image globally.

All youth wishing to watch the Bright Stars games are free to go to Nimra talata Basketball arena and watch for free, courtesy of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Wishing you all wonderful basketball experience at home!

Dr. Joseph Geng Akech
Minister of Youth and Sports

20/07/2024

Congratulations/maburukaat Our Bright Stars! South Sudan Basketball

The future looks evidently bright!

Great battle as we come up short in the final preparations for Paris

19/07/2024

H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic and Patron of sports issued an encouraging statement to South Sudan Basketball Team in their upcoming Paris Olympics games.

Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Joseph Geng Akech applauds the continuous support and encouragement from the President H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Read below..

19/07/2024

Press Statement on Visas for Government Sponsored Fans and other Officials for Paris Olympic Games

The Ministry has resolved to direct fans and other officials on government sponsored list of fans to obtain visas in Addis Ababa at their own cost.

The government has already prioritised athletes who are currently in their preparatory camps ready to compete in the Olympic Games.

More information, refer to the attached Press Release!

Eye Radio

18/07/2024

Media Advisory

The Ministry of Youth and Sports invites accredited media houses and individual Journalists to attend an important briefing on the preparations of Paris Olympics games.

Venue: Ministry of Youth and Sports
Time: 3:00pm
Date: 19th July 2024

For enquiries:
contact Mr. Pesuech Arok Deng 0920641444/0917317319

10/07/2024

MINISTER OF YOUTH & SPORTS HOLDS PRODUCTIVE MEETING WITH NATIONAL OLYMPICS COMMITTEE OFFICIALS

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Joseph Geng Akech, met with senior officials of the South Sudan National Olympics Committee and discussed final tasks in relation to South Sudan’s preparedness for the Olympics games in Paris in the coming weeks.

In a comment during the meeting, Dr Akech emphasized government’s readiness to support South Sudan’s Olympic delegation. The Minister underscored his Ministry’s efforts towards Olympics participation, including the recent passage of the national sports attire by the cabinet.

In addition, other related items such as visas, flights and accommodation during the games were discussed.

Meanwhile, South Sudan Olympics Committee President Eng.Juma Stephen applauded the Minister of Youth and Sports for his seamless working relationship.

The two institutions agreed to deepen cooperation.They urged South Sudanese to continue raising their moral support for the Basketball team and other athletes participating in the Paris Summer Olympics.

05/07/2024

“CABINET APPROVES NATIONAL SPORTS ATTIRE

July 5th 2024..The Cabinet meeting chaired by H.E President Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit approved a National Sports Attire on Friday after a presentation by the Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Dr. Joseph Geng Akech .

The National Sports Attire is a common sports uniform that will be won by fans and sporting community during matching parades in national and international matches.

The national sports attire acts as a symbol of shared culture, and a common identity for the people of South Sudan.

The national sports attire in its entirety is a property of the Ministry of Youth & Sports.

No individual, group or firm is permitted to use it in print or any form without written permission of the Ministry of Youth and Sports”.

Congratulations!

04/07/2024

Remarks by Hon Dr. Joseph Geng Akech at the 248th independence anniversary of United States of America.

The Hon. Minister relayed best wishes of H.E President Salva Kiir Mayardit to the people and government of United States of America thanking them for their unwavering support and friendship to the people and government of the Republic of South Sudan.

Office of the President - Republic of South Sudan
Eye Radio
U.S. Embassy Juba, South Sudan

04/07/2024

July 4th, 2024...Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Joseph Geng Akech speaks at the 248th independence anniversary of United States of America

Speaking on behalf of the President and his government to a gathering of senior government officials and diplomats, the Hon. Minister emphasized longstanding and historic relations and friendship with the people and government of United States and the people and government of the Republic of South Sudan. Dr Akech relayed warm congratulatory message of H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan to the people and government of United States of America on their 248th independence anniversary.

Read the full speech and listen to snippets of remarks here!

Office of the President - Republic of South Sudan
U.S. Embassy Juba, South Sudan
Eye Radio

03/07/2024

YOUTH & SPORTS MINISTER HOLDS PRODUCTIVE MEETING WITH ATHLETICS FEDERATION OFFICIALS AND DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL ATHLETICS MANAGEMENT GROUP FROM TEL AVIV

Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Joseph Geng Akech met and discussed sports development, partnership opportunities, training facilities and athletes management with officials from the Athletics Federation, as well as with Mr. Rotem Genossar from Tel Aviv.

In his closing statement, the Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Joseph Geng Akech acknowledged the federation’s efforts and interests in developing athletics in the country. The Hon. Minister said his Ministry is committed to establishing a gazetted league to promote competition and excellence in sports.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rotem pledged his organization’s desire to support the athletes across the country by offering training opportunities and soliciting funds to improve sports facilities.

South Sudan’s Athletics Federation President, Mr. Marko Majok Ayii hailed their meeting with the Minister and visiting colleague for convening to identify opportunities, and address challenges and gaps in sports sector.

South Sudan Athletics Federation is one of sporting bodies participating in the Paris Summer Olympics happening later this month in France.

25/06/2024

26th June 2024....Bright Stars Altras Association presented a certificate of appreciation to Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Joseph Geng Akech , the Undersecretary and Technical Advisor at the Ministry’s headquarters.

The Bright Stars Altras Association is a group of young South Sudanese sports lovers who supports all sports federations in the country through moral boosting.

The group appreciated Hon. Minister for his tremendous achievements and reforms within the Ministry and in sports sector in particular.

Hon. Minister thanked the Bright Stars Altras Association for recognisng collective efforts achieved by the Ministry. He also registered his appreciation to Altras Association for showing moral support to South Sudan Football team in their match with Sudan during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Dr. Geng assured the young people to support their talents in all sports related activities. He also promised the Bright Stars Altras Association to organise home based moral boosting during Basketball Paris Olympics in July 2024.

24/06/2024

24th, June 2024.....Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Joseph Geng Akech meets South Sudan tallest man Mr. Malith Deng at the Ministry today.

Malith paid a courtesy visit to the office of the Minister to discuss his enthusiasm for sports.
Hon. Minister considers this request to be exceptional and thus grants him space among the government sponsored fans for Paris Olympic games in July 2024.
Malith’s rare height symbolises rich cultural South Sudanese diversity

12/06/2024

PRESIDENT KIIR INAUGURATES JUBA NATIONAL STADIUM AS BRIGHT STARS PUTS UP SPIRITED PERFORMANCE

Government congratulates the youth for turning out in large numbers yesterday to cheer up the Bright Stars.

The event is a testament of President Salva Kiir’s sports agenda: Developing infrastructure and growing professional athletes.

Our Sudanese brothers won the match; congratulations to them. But South Sudan won the spirit of the game. The day marked not just the inauguration of the stadium, but the renewed spirit of our nation. We stood together, cheering and celebrating our national team, showcasing our unity and pride.

The new stadium is a symbol of our country's commitment to investing in infrastructure and development, not just in sports but in our communities and the future of South Sudan.
As we look to the future, let us strive to foster this spirit of togetherness and continue to support our athletes and cultural icons.

As announced yesterday by the President, who’s the patron of all sports in the the country, there’s more to celebrate after the inauguration of Juba National Stadium.
Such successes bring hopes to the young people across the country, majority of whom possess immense potential in sports.

Very soon, the Ministry looks ahead to embarking on a countrywide assessment mission to inspect public sports facilities and to scout and identify talented athletes ripe for development.

With the Sports Development Policy in place, government will be able to better address gaps and challenges facing the sports sector in the country.

11/06/2024

YOUTH AND SPORTS MINISTER WELCOMES FIFA PRESIDENT AT JUBA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

11th June, 2023.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Dr Joseph Geng Akech and SSFA President Gen Augustino Maduot have received the world football President, Mr Gianni Infantino ahead of the official inauguration of the Juba National Stadium this afternoon. Upon arrival, FIFA president proceeded to meet president Salva Kiir for formal talks, after which both leaders are expected to go to the stadium where they will preside over the opening ceremony and a World Cup Qualifier match between South Sudan and Sudan.

Stay tuned for instant updates as we receive them.

Photo Credit: peshahiko page, Eye Radio

10/06/2024

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS INVITES PUBLIC AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO ATTEND OPENING OF JUBA NATIONAL STADIUM.

10th June 2024...The National Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Joseph Geng Akech invites the public and government officials to attend the inauguration of Juba National Stadium on the 11th June 2024.

The Stadium will be officially opened by President of the Republic H.E Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

In a press conference addressed by Hon. Minister, Undersecretary and President of South Sudan Football Association, Minister Geng applauded the President for supporting sports in the country. He added that the Stadium will be symbol of the nation.

10/06/2024

Media Advisory

The High Level Committee for the Inauguration of Juba National Stadium invites accredited media houses to attend an important briefing on the inauguration of Juba National Stadium.

Venue: Ministry of Youth and Sports
Time: 1:00pm
Date: 10th June 2024

For enquiries: Pesuech Arok 0920641444/0917317319

08/06/2024

Bright Stars (football national team) receives warm welcome by Minister of Youth & Sports

Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Joseph Geng Akech welcomes the South Sudan National men’s football team, the Bright Stars at Juba International Airport.

The team returned to Juba after a 1-1 draw with Togo in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

The Bright Stars plays home with neighbouring Sudan in Juba National Stadium on 11th, June 2024.

Minister Dr. Akech congratulated Bright Stars for outstanding performance and wish them success in the upcoming game with the Sudan.

The Ministry of Youth & Sports has provided camping accommodation for Bright Stars to make them ready for the Sudan game.

07/06/2024

07/06/2024

MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS LAUNCHES 50_DAY BASKETBALL COUNTDOWN FOR PARIS OLYMPICS 2024.

June 7th 2024.....Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Joseph Geng Akech launched the 50- Day countdown for Basketball Paris Olympics at Juba Basketball Stadium.

Minister Geng conveyed President Kiir's best wishes and suppport to Basketball team. He also appreciated the partners and National Olympics Committee for making the countdown a success.

On his final remarks, Hon. Minister urged all South Sudanese to support Basketball team and use sports to unite people across the country.

06/06/2024

The much anticipated derby! Get your ticket to join us in this important game!

🏆 FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

South Sudan 🇸🇸 Vs Sudan 🇸🇩

🗓️ 11.6.2024

⏰ 3:00PM CAT

🏟️ Juba National Stadium

06/06/2024

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS, PLAN INTERNATIONAL SIGN MoU ON SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

6th June, 2024.. The Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Joseph Geng Akech and Plan International Country Director, Mr. Mohamed Kamal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ministry’s headquarters earlier today.

The MoU is mainly on sports development, youth and gender empowerment, youth participation as Ambassadors of peace, and innovation among others.

The Country Director registered his gratitude to the Hon. Minister for showing full cooperation. He promised to implement the MoU with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

On his part, the Hon. Minister applauded Plan International for supporting the vision of the Ministry in fostering sports development and youth upskilling. He promised to cooperate with development partners.

04/06/2024

PRESIDENT KIIR, FIFA PRESIDENT INFANTINO TO INAUGURATE JUBA NATIONAL STADIUM ON JUNE 11, HIGH-LEVEL COMMITTEE HAS ANNOUNCED

June 4th, 2024…. The High-level Committee for the Inauguration of Juba National Stadium announced the 11th June as the official opening of the Juba National Stadium.

The high-level committee is headed by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Hon. Deborah Akech Kuocnin; South Sudan’s Football Association President Gen. Maduot Parek sits on the committee alongside other senior officials.

Speaking to reporters today at the Juba National Stadium, Hon. Deborah officially announced that President Salva Kiir will commission the opening of the stadium to the public, she further told the news conference that FIFA President Mr. Giani Infantino, among other dignitaries, will attend the ceremony alongside the President.

On his part, the SSFA President Gen. Agustino Maduot Parek added that South Sudan will host Sudan in a match expected to be graced by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, FIFA President Infantino, as well as CAF and CECAFA officials.

The committee calls on the public to turn up and cheer on the Bright Stars as they play against Sudan in a historic international match in which South Sudan plays host.

03/06/2024

MEDIA ADVISORY

The High Level Committee for the Inauguration of Juba National Stadium under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth and Sports has the pleasure to invite accredited media houses and individual journalists to a news conference about the inauguration of Juba National Stadium.

Time: 11:00AM
Venue: Juba National Stadium
Date: 4th June 2024

Your usual punctuality will be appreciated.

For media queries, contact Mr. Pesuech Arok on 0920641444/0917317319

31/05/2024

COUNCIL OF MINISTERS PASSED NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT POLICY

May 31st, 2024...We are glad to announce that the Council of Ministers meeting chaired by H.E the President of the Republic passed the National Youth Development Policy earlier today.

The National Youth Development Policy is a key policy of the government aimed at empowering youth and unlocking their potential.

Among salient features of the policy include definition of youth as anyone from ages of 15-35; promotion of national youth service and voluntarism; entrepreneurial upscaling, and sports activities among others.

Hon. Dr. Joseph Geng Akech , the Minister of Youth and Sports thanks the Council and H.E the President for passing the National Youth Development Policy promising to present it to Parliament for adoption ready for implementation.

28/05/2024

In taking stock of our efforts so far, we are glad to see enormous uplift in the programmes of youth and sports and transformation of the Ministry. This is by no means enough, but we are steadily improving and demonstrating impact. Thanks to H.E the President of the Republic for his unwavering support.

27/05/2024

YOUTH UNION CONVENTION CONCLUDE IN JUBA WITH ELECTION OF TABAN PARIDE AS CHAIRPERSON

May 27th, 2024.......The National Youth Union Convention concluded on Friday with the election of Taban Paride Lokasmoi as Chairperson for the next four years.
Over 137 delegates drawn from the 10 states and 3 administrative areas took part in the convention to pass new amendments and elect executive leaders, which will be led by a youth president.

The event was opened with keynote addresses by the Minister of Presidential Affairs Hon. Joseph Bangasi Bakasoro; the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Joseph Geng Akech ; the Minister of Culture and National Heritage, Hon. Nadia Arop Dudi; and the Minister of Environment, Hon. Josephine Napwon.

In his opening speech, the Minister of Presidential Affairs Hon. Joseph Bangasi Bakasoro called on the youth to use their energies and youthfulness to improve communities and families, as well as the country. He urged youth to have patience in aspirations for leadership.

Meanwhile, Dr. Akech, encouraged the youth to promote unity, peace and nation building. He urged the youth to harness innovative and creative ideas, and to be active participants in the socioeconomic development of the country.

Other two Ministers spoke to the same issues. Hon. Josephine Napwon and Hon. Nadia Arop emphasized the need for the youth to exercise their free will in choosing their leaders; both ministers advised the youth shun disunity and become united in seeking their interests as young people.

The National Youth and Sports Council, the Preparatory Committee and electoral committee will soon conduct the swearing in of offices of the Youth Union and holding a high level leadership forum for the executive and council members of the Union.

24/05/2024

OPENING ADDRESS OF THE HON. MINISTER OF YOUTH & SPORTS, DR. JOSEPH GENG AKECH, TO THE DELEGATES AT THE 3RD NATIONAL YOUTH UNION CONVENTION,
FREEDOM HALL, JUBA.

26/01/2024

𝐇𝐎𝐍. 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐔𝐃𝐀𝐍 𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐀

January 26th, 2024 — The Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Joseph Geng Akech , met with H.E Ambassador Manday Kumba, South Sudan Ambassador to China to discuss the status and prospects of sports development in South Sudan.

During the meeting, The Ambassador informed the Hon. Minister about China's strategic interest in supporting sports development in South Sudan, highlighting that China has already pledged to build a sports complex, a stadium, and youth exchange programs for our country.

In response, Hon. Minister Dr. Joseph Geng Akech expressed his gratitude to the Ambassador and the Chinese government for their generous support and commitment to our sports sector. Hon. Dr. Geng agreed to re-activate these projects as soon as possible and work together with the Ambassador to make them a reality. He emphasized that these projects are inline with H.E President Kiir’s vision of using sports to foster unity among young people.

That is why the Ministry of Youth and Sports is determined to make sports a catalyst for peace building and social cohesion in South Sudan. The Ministry encourages all stakeholders and partners to join hands in this transformative journey.

Office of the President - Republic of South Sudan - Chinese Embassy in South Sudan - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan