Thanks to the emergency medical care provided by the Balekouet Integrated Health Centre (IHC), football, handball and athletics competitors were able to compete safely last weekend during the closing ceremony of the third edition of the Useful Holidays in Balekouet village, Baleveng group, Nkong-Ni Subdivision, Menoua Division, West Region of Cameroon.
The third edition of the “Useful Holidays” organised by the Balekouet traditional chiefdom came to an end on Sunday, August 23, 2026, amid unprecedented excitement at the Ali Baba Stadium in Tchueza. Organised under the leadership of His Majesty Keuatsop Tetakeua Pierre Aimé, the major sociocultural and sporting event once again placed young people at the heart of local development. Beyond the trophies lifted and the smiles shared, one of the major successes of this edition was the athletes’ comprehensive medical support, which helped ensure that an intense physical spectacle unfolded safely.
Rigorous medical support to safeguard the passion for sport
On the football pitch and handball court, the competitors gave their all. With repeated physical efforts throughout the competition and the intensity of the finals, the risk of muscle injuries, bruises and heat exhaustion was significant. Aware that empowering young people must go hand in hand with protecting their physical well-being, the Balekouet chiefdom deployed a comprehensive emergency medical system at the competition venue.
Several qualified healthcare workers, together with an ambulance from the Balekouet Integrated Health Centre, were placed on constant standby throughout the decisive day. First aid, targeted stretching, rehydration and immediate treatment of injuries made it possible to effectively manage the minor traumas associated with highly contested finals.
“We were called upon many times during the final because players sustained various knocks. We provided first aid and, at the end of the matches, we can say that no major incident was recorded. We mobilised several healthcare workers and the Balekouet IHC ambulance in case evacuations were necessary. Thank God, everything went well,” said Carmel Sonkeng, head of the Balekouet Integrated Health Centre.
The reassuring presence of healthcare professionals gave the athletes the confidence they needed to push themselves further on the field, while allowing the thousands of spectators from Balekouet and across the Baleveng group to enjoy the competition in a safe and peaceful atmosphere.
Thrilling finals: athletes pushed to the limit
With this preventive and curative support in place, the competitors delivered outstanding performances. In football, the highly anticipated final between Centre FC and Tekan FC ended in a 2-2 draw after regular time. Centre FC eventually retained its title after winning the penalty shootout 5-4, a victory celebrated by its captain, Jordan Wougue. Despite the penalty shootout defeat, Tekan FC lifted the trophy of this edition, with its captain, Vincent Abena Tsimi, highlighting the harmony and spirit of togetherness fostered by the event.
In women’s handball, Tekan HB claimed the trophy after defeating Sa’a HB 30-14. At 46, Sa’a HB captain Éléonore Kensop embodied the benefits of the sport-and-health approach promoted by the event: “I am very proud. I did not know that at 46 I could still perform so well in sport! Thanks to the training and medical support, we will be back every Sunday to come back stronger next year.”
In athletics, winner Gabriel Zangue also spoke of the determination made possible by the support provided throughout the competition: “At first, I was disappointed, but I managed to hold on and push myself beyond my limits. Many thanks to the chief for this initiative, which encourages young people”.
An integrated vision: education, tradition and community health
For His Majesty Keuatsop Tetakeua Pierre Aimé, health and sport are only pillars of a broader vision for development. Away from the playing fields, the Useful Holidays programme also featured a “Clean Village” operation, introductory classes in the local language and handicraft workshops. The event’s major social highlight was the distribution of school kits to support families and help children prepare for the new academic year.
By combining rigorous medical support, sporting excellence, cultural heritage preservation and educational assistance, the second-degree chiefdom of Balekouet is seeking to harness its human and natural potential for sustainable local development. The third edition comes to an end with a positive record, with the athletes’ health and safety helping to uphold the spirit of social cohesion and collective celebration.
Marie Chantal FAÏDA
