Uganda hailed as model for Olympic values education among youth

Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) President Donald Rukare, who also serves as Commonwealth Games (CG) President, has praised Uganda's efforts in promoting Olympic values among young people through an annual Olympic Values Contest that has become a model for other countries.

For the past decade, the contest has brought together secondary school students to learn and compete in activities centred on Olympism, helping Uganda establish itself as a leader in promoting Olympic values among youth.

Rukare made the remarks during the 11th edition of the Olympic Values Contest, held at Olive School, Namugongo, in Wakiso District. The event attracted participants from 25 secondary schools across the country and was graced by reigning Miss Uganda, Trisha Muhoozi.

He noted that teaching Olympic values to young people not only instils positive character traits but also encourages greater participation in sports and inspires future athletes to pursue opportunities at the international level.

"This initiative promotes Olympism among young people by equipping them with the core values of the Olympic Movement. Understanding and practising these values can help address challenges such as gender-based violence, which remains a concern in sport," said Rukare.

The contest was initiated by the UOC as part of its mandate to promote Olympism and prepare Ugandan teams for participation in international multi-sport events, including the Olympic and Winter Games. The programme is funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

A total of 125 students, five from each of the 25 participating schools, were randomly grouped into teams and competed in quizzes, debates, essay writing, poetry, and public speaking contests focused on Olympic values.

According to Rukare, the core Olympic values are Friendship, Respect, and Excellence. Other values promoted include fair play, solidarity, peace, humanity, equity, and the joy of effort.

Students deliberate on issues about Olympism during the one-day Olympic Values Contest at Olive School, Namugongo. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

Organising committee member and course facilitator Isma Iga said the Ugandan model is gaining recognition beyond the country's borders, with nations such as Lesotho showing interest in adopting it.

"After the contest, participants return to their schools and share what they have learnt with fellow students, creating a wider impact and encouraging more young people to embrace sport and its values," said Iga.

He added that outstanding participants could in future be selected as ambassadors to help spread the Olympic values programme to other countries upon request.