1,000 children set for Athletics Centenary celebrations

As Uganda Athletics (UA) marks 100 years of excellence in track and field, the North Eastern Region Athletics Association is set to present 1,000 children to join over 10,000 participants in a national celebration of the sport’s legacy.

The North Eastern Region, comprising districts from the Teso and Karamoja sub-regions and chaired by Jimmy Isamat, will take part in the day-long festival scheduled for June 7, 2025, at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole). The event promises a vibrant mix of sport, competition, and entertainment to honor a century of Ugandan athletics achievements.

“As the North Eastern Uganda Athletics Association (NEUAA), operating under Uganda Athletics, we are working tirelessly to mobilize young children to join in these national celebrations,” said Isamat.

Isamat emphasized that Uganda Athletics has played a pivotal role in shaping athletes locally and internationally over the past century. He noted that it is fitting to involve the younger generation in commemorating this historic milestone.

Anne Orono Edatu, Soroti City delegate to Uganda Athletics, announced that the centenary celebrations will coincide with the Akii-Bua Memorial Invitational at Mandela Stadium. The event will consist of two major components:

    Morning session: Over 10,000 children will participate in various athletics activities, alongside a 5-kilometer fun run for senior citizens.

    Evening session: An elite-level athletics meet featuring top athletes from across the region. This portion of the event will be graced by Lieutenant General Jackson Tuwei, Vice President of World Athletics and President of the Kenya Athletics Federation.

Dominic Otucet, President of Uganda Athletics, stated that the event will carry a festive atmosphere with corporate relays, family fun zones, and live performances by top Ugandan artists.

The elite meet will feature the top eight athletes in each race, split into two categories: invitational and local.
Invitational Category Events: Men: 100m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, Long Jump. Women: 400m, 800m, 5000m, Javelin

A total prize purse of $5,000 will be awarded, with the winner in each race taking home $1,600. Other top finishers will receive prizes ranging from $1,000 to $100.

Local Category Events: Men: 100m, 400m, 800m, Shot Put, and Women: 100m, 800m, 1500m, Long Jump

Cash prizes for local events will range from sh350,000 for first place to sh50,000 for eighth place.

As Uganda Athletics celebrates a century of sporting greatness, this grand celebration at Namboole aims to inspire the next generation and honor the legacy of those who have elevated the nation’s name on global tracks.