Seroma set for debut at ISF Gymnasiade Games in Bahrain

The International Schools Sports Federation (ISF) Gymnasiade Games are the pinnacle of sports competitions for secondary school athletes, often referred to as the "World Cup" for this age group.

The event brings together young athletes from around the globe to compete in over 25 different sporting disciplines.

As Uganda prepares to participate in this year's ISF Gymnasiade U18 edition, set to take place in Manama, Bahrain, from October 23-31, athletes from Seroma Christian High School are gearing up for their debut.

Seroma table tennis player Shafic Namundi during training

"We have been working hard since the USSSA national competitions and the FEASSA games, and we feel ready for this international challenge. It's our first time, but we are confident we’ll represent Uganda well," said Maria Nanyonga, captain of the girls' basketball 3x3 team.

Seroma Christian High School will make its debut in basketball 3x3, table tennis, and swimming. Swimmer Kyle Lugonjo, also representing Seroma, shared his excitement and nerves: "This is my first international event, so I’m a bit stressed, but I will do my best for my school and country."

Basketball 3x3 players Maria Nanyonjo(Red) and Ruth Kihumuro during a training session

Other Ugandan schools will also be represented at the competition. Kibuli Secondary School has registered boys’ and girls’ table tennis, boys’ badminton, and boys’ tennis teams. Mbogo College will compete in girls' table tennis, while Mbogo Mixed and Mbogo High School will participate in boys' table tennis and girls' badminton, respectively. Rubaga Girls will also send a girls’ badminton team, along with a USSSA-selected team of athletes in boys' and girls' athletics.

The ISF Gymnasiade will feature a wide range of sports, including archery, badminton, basketball 3x3, beach volleyball, boxing, fencing, gymnastics, handball, judo and para judo, karate, swimming and para swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, wrestling, handball, and padel. These events will showcase the talents of athletes from the ISF's vast network of over 200,000 schools across 134 member countries.

Seroma athletes for ISF

Swimming

Mathew Ryan Manisa

Kyle Lugonjo

Basketball 3x3

Maria Nanyonjo

Ruth Gracious Kihumuro

Grace Shivan Mwesigwa

Margret Saudah Nanziri

Table Tennis

Jeremiah Magaya

Shafic Namundi

Sokiri Lawrence Ayera

Malcolm Mathew Ssentongo