Teso sub-region hosts non-residential athletics camp to identify new talent

As part of the strategies aimed at re-igniting athletics talent identification and development in the Teso sub-region, the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has organized a three-week non-residential training camp for sprinters.

The Teso region, which dominated sprint events in the early 50s and 70s, is producing good athletes due to the existence of training camps for upcoming athletes. These camps have been primarily in the Sebei sub-region, home to many national heroes.

In a bid to revive Teso’s superiority in sprints, UAF has again provided Teso with a non-residential camp to reset talent search efforts.

Athletes taking part in the training

The three-week training, running from January 6th to 26th at Soroti Sports Ground, has gathered 42 athletes, including 15 females and 27 males. They are receiving expertise from coaches Jimmy Isamat and Sekina Okaje, coordinated by Anna Orono Adatu.

The selected athletes are being trained in middle-distance races (800m, 1500m, and 3000m), short-distance sprints (100m, 200m, and 400m), and other disciplines such as shot put, discus, high jump, and long jump.

“Teso sub-region in the early 60s and 80s was a powerhouse for sprints in Uganda. That’s why we continue to remember people like George Odeke, Hebron Omax Omeda (R.I.P), Michael Richard Akope (R.I.P), and Patrick Etolu (R.I.P) for the superiority they showcased during their sporting age. It’s the reason UAF is opting to have the camp conducted locally, to identify new talent,” said Anna Orono Edatu, the coordinator.

According to Orono, the Teso camp in Soroti City is a deliberate project from UAF targeted at promising young athletes from as early as primary school, to help them reach the heights their predecessors achieved.

Athletes taking part in the training

“We are grateful to UAF for considering us, especially because we have been facing training issues. Now that we are training as a team under very qualified coaches, it’s a significant input, especially with future competitions coming,” said Paul Ayeko, a trainee.

Dominic Otucet, UAF president, said the major purpose of the training is to foster talent in short-distance and jump events.

“The major goal for this non-residential camp is to equip athletes with the skills to excel in athletics. The Uganda Athletics Federation seeks to pave the way for athletes to represent the country on an international platform,” Otucet explained.

According to Otucet, the core value of the regional training camps is a structured training program designed to hone the skills of athletes in short-distance running.