USSSA Athletics training camp climax

By Emmanuel Sekago

The Uganda secondary schools sports association (USSSA) athletics training  camp has  climaxed today at Makerere University sports ground.

A total of 66 athletes,18 boys and 48 girls  who were selected from different schools in various regions in the country have been undergoing  serious training at Makerere University and Old Kampala secondary school.

The residential training focused mainly on athletes  below the age of 18. who competed in under 12, 15 and U18 category preparing for the  two major international events coming up this year, the ISF World Cross country  due May, 10th to 14th  2024 that will take place in Nairobi, Kenya and the world Gymnasiade due in October  23rd to 30th,2024 in Manama, Bahrain.

It should be noted that the training camp started on January 15th 2024 and  concluded today morning  January 30th 2024. with Commissioner Physical Education and Sports Dr. Rev. Canon Duncans Mugumya the chief guest.

“Where are the young suckers that will grow when the old ones die? This is the question that one gets to answer when you see these children undergoing this training.”
“To the young athletes;  you should continue doing personal training. If you develop your talent the sky is not even the limit!,” he added.

Hajji Twahil Kitezala, USSSA 1st Vice President, “Part of our mandate as the USSSA is to identify, nurture and develop talent. Here we have identified and the next part is nurturing it.We will work closely with the coaches”.

Margaret Harriet Apolot, ” We had participants from the age of 11 to 18 years. These were from different regions all over the country. As they complete this training it can be seen that they have improved in different aspects like physical fitness.”

“The children in Camp were mainly primary students considering the age category required for this particular training.”
Otage Solomon, 18 a student from Ngora High School- Kumi was also boys’ captain while in camp at Old Kampala SS.

“The environment has been very convenient. This training has enabled me to improve on my running and speed. The coaches were there to help us and advise us especially with arm swinging and leg lifting among others”.Malaika Nangono, 11 is a primary seven student at Taiba International.

“I have learnt to work out properly and also be consistent in training. I look up to Cheptegei and Kiprotich as my role models.”
“Parents should interest themselves in the activities of their children and support them at all times.I am grateful to the people at the Ministry of Education who directed me to USSSA as I was looking for a place where my child could train as she loves to run. We do not get so much information in International schools regarding such activities”.Rita Namakiika , a mother to Malaika Nangono who had been part of the camp.

Also present at closing ceremony, Grace Abalo- Senior Education Officer, Ministry of Education and Sports, Mr. Okanya Patrick- President Emeritus USSSA and National Coordinator Capacity Building Programme, Bithola Ocukune Francis – USSSA Executive Committee, West Nile,  Mawa James Onzima – USSSA Executive Committee, West Nile and the two coaches Bayiga Justine  and Latigo Kassim.

The results from the final training races;
100 metres || under 12||
GIRLS
Sanctuary Reigns 13: 73
Atwiine Janet 14: 50
Kisakye Penina 14: 67
BOYS
Busingye Francis 11: 87
Akankwera Naric 12: 55
100 metres ||Under 15||
GIRLS
Yikparworth Fancy 13: 74
Ozitiru Flavia 13:94
Ashala Robinah 14: 38
BOYS
Asekenye Anna Grace 13:69
Diriciru Kalsum 14:07
Namufumba Zakia 14:24