A contigent of 94 members,52 athletes will represent Uganda in ISF Gymnaside games 2024 in Manama City, Bahrain

By Justine Nalubega

photo byJack shot: team Uganda posed for a picture during the flag off A contingent of 94 members representing Uganda’s schools in the 2024 International Schools Federation (ISF) World Gymnasiade in Manama, Bahrain, was officially flagged off on Monday, October 21, 2024, at Cooper Chimney, Lugogo. The championship, scheduled to last for 11days from October 23 to 31, 2024, will be held in Manama, the capital city of Bahrain. The Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports, Rev. Canon Duncans Mugumya, officiated on behalf of the Sports Minister, Hon. Peter Ogwang, who was unable to attend the event as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included National Council of Sports (NCS) Chairperson, Ambrose Tashobya, NCS General Secretary, Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, along with other dignitaries. In his remarks, Rev. Mugumya urged the athletes to represent Uganda with pride and to compete for victory, emphasizing that he expected them to bring home medals.

photo by Jack Shot: Rev. Duncan Mugumya “You are traveling to Bahrain as Team Uganda, not as individual schools! Therefore, ensure that you give your best and represent us with honor. Hold your motherland in high regard, adopt a winning mentality, and remember that you are going there to compete, not merely to participate. We expect nothing less than medals," stated Rev. Canon Duncans Mugumya. Ambrose Tashobya, the NCS Chairperson, also shared words of encouragement with the athletes.

"Take pride in giving your best. While winning a medal may be beyond your control, giving your all is the greatest reward you can offer yourself. Embrace this opportunity fully," said Tashobya. Dr. Bernard Ogwel, the NCS General Secretary, expressed his hope for the athletes to serve as proud ambassadors of Uganda. “My prayer is that you will be good ambassadors of our country, Uganda. I also want to extend my gratitude to the commissioner and his team for preparing these athletes, as I have closely followed the preparations through media coverage. One thing is certain: you will bring us medals and make the nation proud,” said Ogwel. USSSA 1st Vice President, Hajji Twahil Kitezaala, also commended the athletes' readiness.

“We can testify that Team Uganda is well-prepared. For you athletes, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your careers as you step onto an international stage. With this comes new responsibilities, the most important of which is discipline,” said Kitezaala. The contingent consists of 52 athletes from six schools, competing in six disciplines: athletics, swimming, table tennis, tennis, badminton, and 3x3 basketball. The participating schools are Rubaga Girls, Seroma Christian High School, Kibuli SS, Mbogo High School, Mbogo College School, and Mbogo Mixed. The USSSA President, Justus Mugisha, will lead the delegation, which is set to depart on Tuesday.