The Kick-off of the Rector’s Cup Competition at SAMS, Kitiwum

The Rector’s Cup (also known as the Marguerite Bourgeoys’ Competition) for the 2024/2025 academic year here at SAMS, Kitiwum began on Sunday, October 20, 2024. The sports master, Rev. Fr. Keman Desmus, divided the students and teachers into five teams, each given a name from the European Champion League: FC Barcelona (Spiritual Director’s team), FC Dortmund, Manchester City (Rev. Ronald’s team), Real Madrid (Fr. Mbinkar’s team), and FC Bayern Munich (the Rector’s team). 

On the day of the competition, great fanfare usually ensues before the encounter is played. This time, as Rector I dressed in my traditional tribal regalia. The students escorted me to the field with the SAMS flag and the Vatican flag while the players of the two teams for the opening match, FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich, marched ahead. I then made a short speech declaring the competition open. The students sang the school anthem, and I took the kick-off, allowing the match to begin.

Opening Ceremony for the Rector’s Cup soccer tournament

My team, FC Bayern Munich came out victorious, scoring three goals to one against FC Barcelona. I scored the third goal. It was a beautiful match. The students and the few members of staff who were present testified that everything was well organized.

Since there are five teams, four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, and one team will drop out of the competition. After the semi-finals, the two teams that will not qualify for the finals will play another match to determine the team in third place.  I hope that this sporting season will be a good one!

- Fr. Emmanuel Fale Lon