Nassuuna dreams big as Taibah dominates 6th Independence Sports Gala
After three weekends of competition in Bwebajja, Nassuuna earned four medals at the annual gala, which featured eight schools competing in athletics, basketball, volleyball, netball, and football.
Taibah International School's Hailey Nassuuna poses with medals after the Independence tournament. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Hailey Nassuuna of Taibah International School aspires to pursue a career in sports, particularly basketball, after being named Most Valuable Player at the 6th Taibah Annual Independence Sports Tournament in Bwebajja.
After three weekends of competition in Bwebajja, Nassuuna earned four medals at the annual gala, which featured eight schools competing in athletics, basketball, volleyball, netball, and football.
In addition to the MVP award, Nassuuna excelled in athletics, winning the 100m race in 14.64 seconds ahead of Trinity Senior Academy’s Veronica Akiror (14.90) and Mercy Adong (15.10). She also contributed to Taibah’s victories in the girls’ 4x100 and 4x400 relay events.
Bethel Convenant College receive the Netball Championship trophy after the Independence tournament. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
But she hopes to pursue basketball professionally after finishing her O and A-level studies.
“My goal is to take my game to the next level after finishing S4 and my A-levels and hopefully work my way up in the league. I've tried out for the national team a few times, but it hasn't worked out yet,” Nassuuna, an S.4 candidate, said.
Taibah International School's U-15 football team celebrate with their trophy after the Independence tournament. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
“However, I believe everything happens for a reason, and it's all part of a bigger plan. But these medals are quite fulfilling, I'd say. I usually find it hard to feel completely content with what I've accomplished, but today, I feel like I've earned this because I know I've put in the hard work and the effort.
"I really do feel like I deserve this, and I'm very satisfied. It's actually one of the first times I truly feel satisfied,” she stated.
Taibah International School secured four trophies in basketball, football, and volleyball, dominating their sixth independence gala. They finished as runners-up in netball, which Bethel Covenant College won. Kisubi High School won boys’ volleyball, and Vikas International School claimed the U-20 basketball title.
Taibah beat Bethel Covenant College and Kisubi High School to the U-15 football and basketball trophies, respectively, and beat Greenhill Academy 29-10 in the girls’ U-20 basketball final, in addition to winning the girls’ volleyball trophy. Jerom Spencer, Ryan Kuteesa, Shukran Kayiiwa and Alvin Wafula powered their 4x100 relay team to victory.
Vikas International School football team celebrate with their trophy after the Independence tournament. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Other MVP awards were presented to Baker Serunjogi (Taibah), Rachael Rickline (Greenhill), and Tee Duang (Vikas) in the U-15, girls’, and U-20 football competitions. Shiraz Kimuli (Taibah) and Adonai Nazerab (Vikas) received the basketball MVP honours.
In volleyball, the awards went to Fatumah Aighah (Taibah) and Tonny J andnior Oguta (Kisubi), while Angel Patricia Asiimwe (Taibah) was recognised in netball. Taibah International School headteacher Annet Nanyonjo encouraged participants to remain active in sports to enhance their academic potential. “So, keep at it. Those who have been at it are stronger now,” Nanyonjo said.
“I was impressed by the stamina shown by both teams in the football final. I admired the perseverance during the athletics event when a girl was running by herself, but she refused to quit. This is precisely why we need sports. It's to learn these essential life skills: discipline, resilience, hard work, and teamwork and the ability to come together.”
Volleyball action between Kisubi High School (in red) and Taibah during the Independence gala. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
She urged students to continue practising. “Sports aren't something you just do once and forget about. You can't just decide to play football one day and expect magic to happen. You've got to put in the time, because it was super clear you've been putting in the work. So, keep up the practice, and keep practising. Hold onto the friendships you've made, and maintain that balance between sports and academics. And honestly, athletes tend to be better people, and that's because of the discipline they learn.”
The gala was sponsored by Outlet Stores, TableSide Tales, DFCU Bank, Absa Bank, Cradle, Doctors Hospital and SWT Rice.