By: Kayiira Jackson
The contingent of 94 members that is representing Uganda Schools in the 2024 International Schools Federation (ISF) World Gymnasiade games in Manama Bahrain has been officially flagged off on Monday 21, October, 2024 at Cooper Chimney Lugogo.
The championship is slated for a week, starting on 23rd to 31st October 2024, Manama is the hosting City in Bahrain.
The Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports, Rev. Canon. Duncans Mugumya represented the Sports Minister, Hon. Peter Ogwang who didn’t make it at the event as the chief Guest.
The other officials in the attendance are; National Council of Sports chairperson, Ambrose Tashobya, NCS General Secretary, Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel and other dignitaries.
The outspoken Reverend asked the athletes to represent their country with pride, to compete but not to participate and he expects only medals from them.
” You are travelling to Bahrain as team Uganda and not individual schools! Therefore make sure you represent us to your very best. Represent your motherland with pride, have that winning mentality, you are going to compete not to participate, so we’re waiting for medals only.” Says the chief Guest, Rev. Can. Duncans Mugumya.
Ambrose Tashobya, Chairperson National Council of Sports also had a comment and word of encouragement to the athletes.
“Find comfort in giving your best. Winning a medal is not in your control but giving your best is the best gift you can give to yourself and you will be contented. Use this opportunity that you have very well.” Says NCS chairperson, Ambrose Tashobya.
“My prayer is that you should become good ambassador of our country Uganda. I want to thank, commissioner and your team for preparing these athletes because I have been following these preparations as covered by the media. One thing we can be sure of is that you are going to bring us medals and make the country proud.”- Bernard Ogwel General Secretary, National Council of Sports.
Hajji Twahil Kitezaala USSSA 1st Vice president,”We bear witness that team Uganda has been well prepared. For our dear athletes, today marks a different chapter in your careers as you are representing Uganda at a different stage. This imposes different obligations and key of them is discipline.
The contingent of 94 members, has 52 athletes from six schools and they are representing Uganda in six disciplines; Athletics, swimming, Table Tennis, tennis, badminton and basketball 3×3.
The schools includes; Rubaga Girls, Seroma Christian High School, Kibuli SS, Mbogo High School,Mbogo College School, Mbogo Mixed.
The USSSA president, Justus Mugisha is the leader of delegation and the team is departing tomorrow (Tuesday).
