Team Uganda arrives in Bahrain for ISF Gymnasiade U18 Games

Team Uganda arrived safely in Manama, Bahrain, on Tuesday, ahead of this year’s edition of the International Schools Sports Federation (ISF) Gymnasiade U18 games, which start Thursday in the Persian Gulf city.

The contingent of 92 athletes and officials traveled in three groups, all arriving safely, with the last group touching down at Manama International Airport at 2:00 am. They were received and settled at Park Regis Lotus Hotel in the heart of Manama.

Uganda will be represented by six schools: Kibuli SS, Rubaga Girls, Seroma Christian High School, and three Mbogo Schools—Mixed, High School, and College—alongside the Uganda athletics team.

The last Uganda team that arrived in Manama in the wee hours of Wednesday

These athletes will compete in six disciplines: table tennis, badminton, tennis, swimming, basketball 3x3, and athletics.

Kibuli SS has entered four teams: boys' and girls' table tennis, badminton, and tennis, while Seroma will compete in boys' and girls' basketball 3x3, swimming, and boys' table tennis. Mbogo High and Rubaga Girls have entered girls' badminton, Mbogo College will compete in girls' table tennis, and Mbogo Mixed will participate in boys' table tennis.

“We had the longest journey to come here, but the good thing is that ISF gives athletes time to recover from the fatigue. As Team Kibuli SS, we are very ready because our athletes are fresh from good performances at FEASSA and ITTA Africa championships, and we hope for medals,” said Kibuli leader of the delegation Hajjat Sarah Nasazzi.

Team Uganda in Bahrain

The Kibuli SS table tennis teams are boosted by girl stars Jemimah Nakawala and Judith Nangonzi Parvin, who recently helped Uganda win a bronze medal for the first time in 29 years at the ITTF Africa Senior Challenge in Ethiopia. Ankunda Samuel Mbabazi, who also performed well in the same championship, adds to the inspiration.

Team Uganda deputy leader of delegation Ayub Khalifa expressed optimism that Uganda will perform well at the games, as has been the norm. “We all arrived safely here and are ready for the games. All our six school and athletics team athletes are in good shape and ready to compete. We appreciate the government for the support, along with the school administrations, for giving the young talents this opportunity,” Khalifa said.

According to the program, Wednesday was reserved for recovery training for the arriving teams, with officials' technical meetings scheduled for Thursday before the competition proper begins on Friday.