North West Youth Sports Jamboree Launched to Promote Unity, Talent and Social Cohesion

By Wirngo Peter Tardzenyuy

The Bamenda City Council has officially launched preparations for the North West Youth Sports Jamboree, a regional sporting initiative aimed at fostering unity, peace and youth development across the North West Region.

The project, organized under the distinguished patronage of the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, was unveiled during a planning meeting held on June 18, 2026 at the Bamenda City Council Staff Club. The meeting brought together government officials, sports administrators, youth leaders, municipal authorities, media professionals and representatives of various sporting federations.

Speaking during the meeting, Achombong Tembeng Paul said the jamboree is designed to bring together people from all seven divisions of the North West Region under one platform.

According to the city mayor, sports remain one of the strongest tools for promoting social cohesion and rebuilding community ties.

"The main objective of this jamboree is to bring the entire North West together under one umbrella. We are one people and we need a common direction. There is nothing that unifies people and speaks the same language like sports," he said.

Mayor Achombong noted that the initiative has received the blessings and support of Minister Paul Atanga Nji, whom he credited for encouraging efforts aimed at strengthening peace, dialogue and togetherness in the region.

Beyond promoting unity, the mayor emphasized that the tournament will serve as a platform for identifying and exposing young talents hidden in communities across the region.

"There are many talents languishing in our subdivisions. Through this jamboree, we hope to bring them to the limelight and give them opportunities to represent the region and the nation," he added.

The competition will feature a wide range of sporting disciplines including football, basketball, handball, volleyball, athletics, swimming, table tennis, lawn tennis and events for persons living with disabilities. Cultural performances, music, dance and entertainment activities will also form part of the jamboree with prices ranging from 500,000 FRS to 5 million Francs.

Mayor Achombong stressed that the event is intended to be inclusive, welcoming participants of all ages, including veteran athletes.

"We want everybody to be part of this initiative. Sports provide a common language through which people can communicate, interact and strengthen their bonds," he said.

Participants will not leave empty-handed, as organizers have promised prizes and recognition for athletes, cultural groups, fan clubs, choirs and other contributors to the success of the event.

Also addressing the gathering was the Mayor of Fundong Council and President of the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon (UCC), Mayor of Fundong Council, who praised the initiative as a timely and strategic effort to unite the region.

He observed that while councils often organize sporting competitions within their municipalities, the Bamenda City Council's approach of creating a regional platform represents a significant step forward.

"This is not the initiative of one municipality alone. It is an idea that the whole region can carry forward. It is a logical and commendable initiative that deserves the support of everyone," he said.

The UCC President further noted that the jamboree offers an opportunity for communities across the North West to reconnect and strengthen regional solidarity.

At the end of deliberations, participants adopted several resolutions to guide the organization of the tournament.

Sports federations were given one week to submit their action plans, while divisional coordination units were established to oversee activities at the divisional level. Divisions are expected to complete their local competitions and produce representatives before the regional finals scheduled for late July and early August in Bamenda.

An organizing committee headed by the Mayor of Bamenda City Council was also put in place, with regional delegates from Youth Affairs, Sports, Public Health and Arts and Culture serving in key leadership positions.

Organizers expressed confidence that the North West Youth Sports Jamboree will not only promote healthy competition but also contribute to peacebuilding, youth empowerment and the restoration of social harmony in the region.

As preparations intensify, the Bamenda City Council is calling on young people, sports associations, cultural groups and community leaders across the North West Region to actively participate in what is expected to become one of the region's largest youth and sports gatherings.

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