Patrick Etolu Track and Field Championship has climaxed at Soroti city sports ground, featuring local athletes competing in various events.

The annual event organised by Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) is in memory of the late Etolu, the former national high jump champion and also the first Olympian and Commonwealth medalist for Uganda.

Athletes during Etolu Run

Etolu, who was then a primary school teacher in Soroti, won Uganda’s first medal, a silver at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. He died in 2013 aged 78.

The 8th edition of the yearly meeting that collected athletes from primary, secondary, clubs, tertiary, and individual had in attendance family members, politicians, civil servants, clergy, and Uganda Athletics officials.

Athletes during Etolu Run

A one-day event that saw athletes showcasing talents in 100m, 200m, 400m,800m,3000m, 5000m, triple jump, shot put, long jump, high jump, and 4x100m relays were graced by Kevin Alelo, Association of Secondary Schools headteachers (ASSHU) for Soroti district as a guest of honour.

“Every year, Uganda Athletics Federation organises this kind of meeting to remember the contribution of the late Papa Etolu to this nation. It’s now your role as the upcoming athlete to see to it that the same applies to you too,” Alalo said.

Athletes during Etolu Run

Athletes during Etolu Run

Alelo applauded UAF for commemorating Etolu every year.

Uganda Athletics Federation vice-president Lawrence Kavuma said the meeting serves a dual purpose of commemorating the life of Etolu but also to identify talent in the region.

Julius Okello, Etolu’s first son who spoke on behalf of the family commended Uganda Athletics Federation for organising the championship.