Gayaza Junior chosen as launchpad for continental scrabble initiative

The President of the Pan Africa Scrabble Association (PANASA), Adekoyejo Adegbesan has expressed his admiration for the growing popularity and development of scrabble in Ugandan schools.

Speaking during his visit to Gayaza Junior School on the second day of his official tour in Uganda, Adegbesan praised the local efforts and enthusiasm surrounding the game, especially among school-going children.

His visit coincided with the trophy tour of the Africa Youth Scrabble Championship—a customary event ahead of the tournament’s kickoff.

Pan Africa Scrabble Association (PANASA) President, Adekoyejo Adegbesan, displays the Africa Youth Scrabble Championship trophy as pupils engage in a demonstration game at Gayaza Junior School. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

“I’ve seen the impressive numbers. PANASA will ensure all the necessary resources are provided to promote the sport in Uganda,” Adegbesan stated.

He commended the school’s administration for embracing scrabble, which he described as a game that sharpens a pupil’s skills in English, mathematics, critical thinking, and also opens doors to global opportunities.

His visit to Gayaza Junior School was organised in collaboration with the Scrabble Association of Uganda (SAU) and Future Stars, a local sports development initiative.

“Every year, we hold the bi-annual youth championship. It has become tradition to tour the trophy across participating countries. This is only the second edition of the youth tournament, which we launched in 2023 to complement the senior continental championship that has run for 16 years,” he added.

PANASA president Adekoyejo Adegbesan (right back), the national scrabble coach, Ronald Lwebuga (middle), the headmistress of Gayaza Junior School (left) and the pupils, pose with the trophy

“We were pleased that Uganda sent three participants to the inaugural youth championship held in Lagos in 2023. This time, with Kenya hosting, we expect Uganda to take up the full allocation of 30 players,” Adegbesan said.

Gayaza Junior School headmistress, Sarah Tebugulwa Kizito, expressed her appreciation to PANASA, its president, SAU, and Future Stars for choosing their school as part of the trophy tour.

“We are committed to preparing our girls to compete among the best 30 players in Uganda to represent the country at the second continental youth championship, set for August 14–17 at Brighton International School in Kenya,” she said.

“As we celebrate 120 years, we embrace scrabble as a valuable addition to our sporting activities. It enhances pupils’ English and math skills, and contributes to our mission of nurturing well-rounded learners,” she added.

PANASA President Adekoyejo Adegbesan (right) and Gayaza Junior School Headmistress Sarah Tebugulwa Kizito (left) display the Africa Youth Scrabble Championship trophy during his visit to the school. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Tebugulwa also lauded Future Stars for continuously creating opportunities that uplift young learners through sports both locally and in the diaspora, equipping them for success at national and international levels.

Future Stars is a dynamic youth sports program dedicated to identifying, nurturing, and developing talent across various disciplines through expert training, mentorship, and structured development.

The Africa Youth Scrabble Championship trophy is currently on a continental tour, passing through Togo, Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, South Africa, Ghana, and will return to Nigeria ahead of the August championship.