Nairobi stage offers learning curve for Uganda’s rising gymnasts

NAIROBI - The National Council of Sports (NCS) assistant secretary general in charge of administration, Milton Chebet, has urged the Uganda Gymnastics Federation to strengthen partnerships with schools to help unearth and nurture young talent.

Chebet made the remarks while flagging off ten promising Ugandan gymnasts travelling to Nairobi, Kenya, for the inaugural African Junior Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

The team, aged between five and 12, will compete in four disciplines: vault, floor, beam and bars.

The selected gymnasts are Maya Denise, Elsie Matanda, Shanice Nakayima, Adora Mirembe, Neema Mpaka, Zion Kembabazi, Lin Yu Han, Aleru Aloyo and team captain Charis Kemigisha.

Chebet encouraged the young athletes to remain disciplined, believe in their abilities and represent Uganda with pride.

“Discipline is the foundation of success, and it’s what will carry these children forward,” he said.

The competition will feature six African nations, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

He commended the Uganda Gymnastics Federation for identifying talent at an early age, but stressed the importance of working closely with schools and training more coaches to ensure the continuous development of budding gymnasts.

Uganda Gymnastics Federation president Harriet Ayaa described the championship as an opportunity for the team to gain international exposure and learn how to manage competition pressure.

“This event will not only expose them to regional competition standards but also help assess their abilities against peers from across Africa,” Ayaa noted.

The competition will feature six African nations, including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Rwanda.

It begins on the 28th of this month, with participants competing in multiple age categories in what promises to be a showcase of Africa’s youngest gymnastics talents.