The Fundong Municipality has once again demonstrated the power of sports to unite, empower, and inspire. The third edition of the Fundong Municipality Unity Tournament concluded on Sunday, August 31, 2025, after more than a month of spirited competition that brought together youths, women, and persons with special needs under the theme “Unity Through Sports: Building Bridges, Empowering Future.”
What began as a local sporting initiative has now evolved into one of Boyo Division’s most anticipated annual gatherings, blending competition with community solidarity. This year’s finals, held at the Fundong municipal field, drew large crowds who watched football, handball, volleyball, marathons, traditional games, and contests designed to celebrate both athleticism and cultural identity.
A Celebration of Inclusion
Unlike many local tournaments that focus solely on football, Fundong’s Unity Tournament is deliberately inclusive. Beyond senior and youth football finals that electrified the crowds, persons with disabilities competed in draughts, tug-of-war, and funjang, showcasing resilience and determination. Women’s football and handball also featured prominently, reflecting a growing recognition of female athletes in the municipality.
Mayor Denis Awoh Ndang of Fundong Council, who presided over the closing ceremony, hailed the initiative as more than just sport. “This tournament is a testimony of what we can achieve when we come together,” he said. “It is a platform that fosters peace, strengthens unity, and empowers our young people.”
Tension and Triumph on the Pitch
The finals lived up to expectations. In the Under-16 football showdown, Meli FC overcame Small Boys FC in a dramatic penalty shootout. The women’s final proved equally thrilling, with Kumtem FC defeating Saints FC on penalties. The men’s senior category brought the crowd to its feet as Super Park FC edged past Young Boys FC, also on penalties, to lift the coveted trophy.
Away from football, Firelight Handball Club and Young Strikers Handball Club claimed bragging rights in the boys’ and girls’ handball categories, while Fundong Central triumphed in mixed volleyball. The semi-marathons highlighted endurance and spirit, with young talents such as Akoni Emmanuel and Odette Cheah emerging as winners in the senior categories.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The closing ceremony was graced by Gama Neville, a former captain of Young Sports Academy Bamenda and now a player for Canon Sportif of Yaoundé. A native of Fundong, Neville’s presence was a powerful reminder of how grassroots competitions can pave the way for professional careers. “I started like many of these young boys here,” he told the audience. “With determination and support, they too can play in big clubs tomorrow.”
Building Bridges Through Sports
The presence of dignitaries including the Senior Divisional Officer for Boyo, Meyong Gilbert Sunday, and the Divisional Delegate of Sports and Physical Education, Njah Wilson, underscored the importance of the tournament not only as entertainment but as a civic project. Local authorities and community leaders praised the event for fostering dialogue and social cohesion in a division grappling with the effects of conflict and division.
As the curtains closed on the 2025 edition, the message was clear: Fundong is not only a hub of sporting talent but also a community determined to use games, teamwork, and shared passion as tools for healing and unity.
The Fundong Municipality Unity Tournament has reaffirmed itself as more than a competition. It is a stage where resilience meets joy, where diversity is celebrated, and where the people of Boyo Division continue to prove that peace can be built, one game, one goal, and one victory at a time.
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