Uganda celebrates World Athletics Kids’ Day with exciting event at Kabale Stadium

The Kabale Main Stadium in Uganda's western region came alive on Thursday, 8th May 2025, as the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) joined the global athletics community to celebrate World Kids' Athletics Day.

This year's theme, “Relay Around the World,” was not just about passing a baton; it symbolized a collective effort to inspire, nurture, and connect young athletes across continents.

Aligned with the World Athletics Relays held in China, this year’s celebration unified the global community, emphasizing teamwork, speed, and international solidarity. While elite athletes competed at the world level, children around the globe, including those in Uganda, took their first steps in the same spirit of unity and aspiration.

In Uganda, the event captured the essence of the global relay with vibrant energy, laughter, and dreams as hundreds of children engaged in various athletics activities that promoted fitness, teamwork, and character.

From short races to skipping rope challenges, the stadium was filled with joy and excitement as participants discovered their potential.

Inspiration in Every Step

The event wasn’t just about competition; it was a celebration of potential. One of the young participants, Eliezer Ayinebyona, grinned with pride after taking part in multiple activities.

Children march to celebrate their day

“I’ve enjoyed the day so much; I’ve run and skipped rope. When you look around, everyone is excited. Thank you, World Athletics and Uganda Athletics Federation," she said, her eyes glowing with determination. "I hope to be one of the best athletes in the country one day.”

Ayinebyona’s dream reflects the broader goal of World Athletics Kids' Day: to ignite passion, build community, and provide children around the world with a shared platform for growth.

Planting Seeds for the Future

Beyond the track, the children participated in a tree-planting exercise as part of UAF’s legacy program, which emphasizes environmental conservation as a key pillar of sports development.

Each tree planted symbolized not just growth, but a commitment to a greener future where athletics and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

UAF is also championing education. In a move that blends academics with athletics, participating children were given scholastic materials, reinforcing the message that staying in school is as important as staying on the track.

World kids athletics day organiser Charles Mukiibi handing over some of the scholarstic materials to one of the teachers from Kabale schools

“Winning isn’t guaranteed on the track,” said Charles Mukiibi, the event organizer. “However, if athletes are educated, they can achieve success, even if athletics doesn’t work out.”

A Global Movement with Local Impact

World Kids' Athletics Day, launched globally to encourage children to explore athletics in a fun and inclusive environment, continues to grow in reach and impact. The 2025 edition’s theme, “Relay Around the World,” was beautifully interpreted in Uganda not just as a physical relay, but as a handover of inspiration, responsibility, and hope from one generation to the next.