Mogadishu, 23 June 2026 – Thirteen UN Somalia personnel joined more than 1,500 participants from 71 UN entities at the 51st United Nations Inter-Agency Games, held in Crete, Greece, in May 2026.
The annual event brought together UN staff from around the world to compete in a wide range of sporting disciplines, including athletics, badminton, basketball, billiards, chess, cricket, cross-country, darts, football, golf, padel, pétanque, swimming, tennis, and volleyball.
A standout achievement for the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) delegation came in men's football, where Alex Nyamwaya helped secure a gold medal for his team. Reflecting on the victory, Nyamwaya said: " I am proud to have represented UNSOS and bring home the gold in football. Incredible teamwork, discipline, and spirit from every player. Thanks to the organizers, supporters, and the UN family for an amazing tournament. This is a victory we all share."
Emma Kiragu, who represented UN Somalia in women's athletics, said the Games challenged participants to push beyond their limits while reinforcing the importance of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing.
"Competing alongside colleagues from across the UN system was both motivating and inspiring. The experience reminded me that resilience, discipline and wellness are essential not only in sport, but also in the work we do every day," she said.
Maynard Alvin Thomas, who represented UN Somalia in football, described the Games as a rewarding experience that fostered new friendships and strengthened existing connections across the UN family.
"The Games helped us build new networks and reinforce old ones while strengthening the spirit of sportsmanship across the UN," he said.
Thomas encouraged colleagues interested in participating in future editions of the Games to begin preparing well in advance.
"Keeping fit and preparing adequately throughout the year is important as we look forward to the next Games," he said, adding that prospective participants can benefit from the experiences and advice of colleagues who have previously attended.
In a video message to participants, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the role of sport in fostering peace, unity, and understanding.
"You come together in beautiful Crete, not far from where the ancient Olympic Games were born. In those days, the Olympics were a festival of peace, when warring parties chose to meet on the playing field, not the battlefield," he said.
The United Nations Inter-Agency Games have become a valued tradition, bringing together staff from across the UN system to strengthen teamwork, promote wellness, foster inclusion, and celebrate friendly competition.
The UNSOS delegation comprised Curthis Alvin Norman (basketball), Christine Wachira (women’s tennis), Hawa Nishimwe (women’s tennis), Kudzai Gangayi (men’s tennis), Alex Nyamwaya (men’s football), Maynard Alvin Thomas (men’s football), Catherine Mwangi (volleyball), Emma Kiragu (women’s athletics), Barbara Tefula (pétanque) , Irene Luyiga (pétanque), Ellenor Ndwiga (pétanque) and Fatmata Sidibay-Mighty (pétanque).
