Uganda’s Athletes Ready for Action at ISF Gymnasiade U18 in Bahrain

By Emmanuel Sekago

Uganda’s young athletes are set to take to the track at the ISF Gymnasiade U18 Games in Bahrain, with three competitors in key events on Friday, October 25, 2024.

Ijorea Margaret Aza, Mbabazi Peace, and Mary Awat will represent the country in the 800m, 400m, and 100m races, respectively, marking Uganda’s first appearances at the prestigious international school sports competition.

The delegation arrived in Bahrain on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, as the Kingdom of Bahrain hosts the event from October 23 to 31, welcoming over 5,000 athletes from around 80 international school sports federations. The games are designed to promote sportsmanship and cultural exchange among youth from across the globe.

Friday’s Schedule for Ugandan Athletes; Mary Awat (Gombe Secondary School) will be the first Ugandan on the track in the 100m heats at 15:45. Should she qualify, she will return for the semi-final at 19:25 the same day, Ijorea Margaret Aza (St. Mary’s Kitende) will follow, competing in the 800m heat at 17:00 and Mbabazi Peace (Old Kampala Secondary School) will wrap up Uganda’s day on the track, competing in the 400m heat at 17:45.

Their coaches and supporters are hopeful the athletes will perform strongly and secure places in the finals. Ronald Mulajje, the games teacher at St. Mary’s Kitende, expressed confidence in Ijorea Margaret’s preparations.

Similarly, Abdallah Muhammed, a teacher at Gombe Secondary School, highlighted the potential of Mary Awat in the 100m event, noting that Friday will be their first time competing on an international stage.

The ISF Gymnasiade 2024 marks a significant moment for Uganda, which is one of 15 African nations participating, alongside Algeria, Benin, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Togo.

The Ugandan contingent consists of 52 athletes, nine coaches, 15 team officials, and a Head of Delegation. Among the countries represented, Bahrain has the largest delegation with 462 participants, followed by Brazil with 403, Saudi Arabia with 378, and Chinese Taipei with 206.

Meanwhile, Montenegro and Luxembourg have the smallest delegations, each with just four participants. Going by the facts and figures, Athletes are 3,673, Coaches-845, Referees-173, Head of delegations -79, Team officials -314, Safeguarding officials -20, Additional Adults-339 and Grand Total -5453.

Bahrain’s Local Organizing Committee, led by Mr. Ali Eshaqi, has ensured a smooth arrival and accommodation process for all delegations.

The games will feature 26 different sports, with the facilities and training centers fully prepared to accommodate the intense schedule of events. The ISF Gymnasiade 2024 is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, further emphasizing Bahrain’s commitment to hosting a world-class event.

In his welcome message, Mr. Eshaqi expressed his excitement about hosting the largest-ever school sports event, stating,

“This event represents not only a global celebration of youth sports but also a unique opportunity to showcase the strength, talent, and passion that each of you brings from your respective countries.” He also emphasized the event’s focus on sportsmanship, respect, and cultural unity.

As Uganda’s athletes prepare to compete on the world stage, the nation hopes for a strong showing in Bahrain, both in sports performance and fostering international friendships.