![Players at a sport tournament organized by UNMISS in Juba posting for photo on Saturday, July 6, 2024. [Photo by Sudans Post]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Picture2.jpg?resize=900%2C464&quality=89&ssl=1)
The police athletics league, held from June 29 to July 6, brought together the National Police Service (NPS), UN Police (UNPOL), and local residents, said Malin Nilsson, head of capacity building for UNMISS in Central Equatoria State.
“This was an opportunity to bring the community, national police and UNPOL together,” Nilsson told reporters after the final matches at the Yei checkpoint police playground. “We’ve achieved a lot in getting to know each other better.”
The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between police and communities, according to Togba Jeremiah Massaquoi, UNMISS Central Equatoria State field office Police Commander.
“The NPS has been reaching out, but there are still gaps,” Massaquoi said. “This activity aimed to build trust and confidence for safer communities.”
Lieutenant General Benjamin John Batista, Assistant Inspector General of Police for Social Welfare, emphasized the unifying power of sports.
“We hope to continue these activities,” Batista said. “They will strengthen relations between UNPOL, internally displaced persons (IDPs), the NPS, and communities.”
Deputy Spokesperson for the National Police Services, Brigadier General James Dak Karlo, echoed the sentiment.
“Sports help build bridges and understanding,” Karlo said. “This is creating harmony and building confidence and trust for the safety of the community.”
