The much-anticipated Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament officially kicked off on Sunday, July 14, 2024, with a grand opening ceremony in Nkwen. The event marked the beginning of a month-long celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and inclusivity within the community.
The opening began with a spectacular ballet performance by the fan club of Sporting FC Bayelle Manda, captivating the audience and setting a jubilant tone for the day. The youths opened the ceremony with words of gratitude, thanking the Mayor of the Bamenda III Council, Fongu Cletus Tanwe, for providing them with such a valuable opportunity for recreation during the long holidays.
In his opening remarks, the Second Deputy Mayor, Koti Joseph, expressed deep gratitude to the many attendees. He highlighted the importance of the tournament in fostering community spirit and resilience, especially in light of the challenges faced by the region.
"Being inclusive as a Council is a way of life, and everyone in the municipality should follow suit and ensure everything they do meets the needs of everyone," Koti noted. He called on the population to remain united and to love one another, reinforcing the Council's commitment to inclusivity and community cohesion.
Addressing the players, Koti Joseph encouraged fair play and discipline throughout the tournament. "For the players, I encourage fair play and discipline.." he stated before taking the symbolic kick-off, officially launching the tournament.
The opening game saw defending champions Alahlie FC securing a 3-1 victory, setting a high standard for the matches to come. The teams' performance was a thrilling start to surprise of many who had under estimated Ngwe Ngwe FC returning to the tournament after a long absence.
On more than one instance, Mayor Fongu Cletus has emphasized that the Bamenda III Council Inclusive Royal Tournament is not just a sporting event but a celebration of the community's spirit and dedication to inclusivity. As the tournament progresses, it aims to bring together people from all walks of life, promoting unity and fostering a sense of belonging among all residents of Bamenda III.