Team Uganda intensifies preparations for FEASSA Games with high hopes for Athletics success

By Emmanuel Sekago

As the Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games draw near, Team Uganda’s athletics squad is intensifying its preparations to ensure a strong performance.

The games, set to take place from August 16th to 27th at Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College School, are expected to be fiercely competitive, particularly in athletics, where Kenya remains Uganda’s biggest rival.

In an interview with Wallnetnews at the Team Uganda camp at Ndejje University, Joseph Mawa, a member of the USSSA Executive Committee, provided insights into the ongoing preparations, “The training camp is going on well. Students, both secondary and primary, are performing admirably. We have final trials scheduled for Tuesday, August 13th, and Wednesday, August 14th, 2024, ahead of the team’s departure to Bukedea Comprehensive School on Friday, August 16th.”

Mawa expressed confidence in the team’s readiness: “We believe that by the end of this residential training, our athletes will be prepared to face off with their counterparts from other countries during the championships.”

Mawa also emphasized the dedication of the coaching staff, who are working tirelessly to ensure that the athletes are in peak condition:
“Our coaches are leaving no stone unturned. By the time the competition begins at Amus College School, our student-athletes will be more than ready. This year, we are determined to bring home the overall athletics trophy. Kenya is our serious rival, but we are prepared to compete at the highest level.”

This year’s FEASSA competition will see the introduction of a new event: the 110m hurdles for both boys and girls. Other races include, Sprints: 100m, 200m, 400m, Relays: 4x100m, 4x400m, Middle and Long Distances: 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 10,000m, and 3000m
When asked about the long-distance athletes, Mawa confirmed that they are currently training at the Teryet High Altitude Centre in Kapchorwa, a region known for producing world-class distance runners. The athletes training at Ndejje University are focused on track and field events.

At last year’s FEASSA Games held in Huye, Rwanda, Uganda’s athletics team won the silver medal, with Kenya dominating most of the races and taking home the gold. Tanzania secured the bronze, while Rwanda finished without a medal.

Stakeholders staying at Ndejje University shared their views on the team’s preparations with Wallnetnews, Optimism and Determination: “The energy and focus in the camp are impressive. The athletes are putting in the work, and we are optimistic about their chances,” said one coach.

High Hopes: “This year, we are aiming higher. The team is well-prepared, and we believe we have what it takes to outperform Kenya in several events,” noted a team official.

Emeritus Patrick Okanya, a respected figure in Ugandan athletics, also weighed in on the team’s preparations and expectations for the upcoming games:

“I am pleased with the level of preparation and the commitment shown by both the athletes and the coaching staff. The introduction of new events like the 110m hurdles adds excitement and challenges the athletes to push their limits. I expect Uganda to put on a strong performance and challenge Kenya for the top spot. We have the talent and the determination, and now it’s about executing on the day.”

As Team Uganda enters the final phase of preparations for the FEASSA Games, there is a palpable sense of optimism and determination. With rigorous training, strategic planning, and a focus on both track and field events, Uganda is gearing up to make a significant impact at the games. The rivalry with Kenya will undoubtedly add intensity to the competition, but with the preparations in place, Uganda is poised to challenge for the overall athletics trophy and fly the national flag high in Bukedea and Amus.