Uganda sends 30 athletes for Special Olympics World Games

A 45-man delegation left for Berlin, Germany on Monday night for the Special Olympics World Games; the largest inclusive sports event in the world due June 17-25.

The delegation that included 30 athletes (including unified athletes), ten coaches, 3 officials, a medic, and a journalist was led by the Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang accompanied by NCS Chairman Ambrose Tashobya as well as National Director Special Olympics Genevieve Bamwidhukire.

At the flag-off by Tashobya who was in the company of NCS General Secretary Patrick Ogwel and Assistant General Secretary David Katende, Ogwel tasked the team not only to compete but ensure they win some medals. He thanked the NCS board for funding the team and ensuring that the country is represented at the games.

“Government has assisted the team six times out of the nine times they have represented the country and our support this year is sh165m for the air tickets,” Ogwel said.

“It is a privilege to represent the country, so go and be our good ambassadors and come back with at least a medal that will distinguish you from the rest,” Ogwel said.

Tashobya said he was happy that Uganda is sending a team to the world games because it was one of the most treasured values of sport to represent the country.

“We want to allow everyone to go and represent the country and show that sports offer an opportunity to express ourselves, to build our internal strength to toughen our characters, to face the challenges, to enjoy the moment, and to share the excitement,” Tashobya noted.

“We expect you to go compete, express yourself, and give your best so that we can have something to celebrate; it could be your personal best, season best, a new record, etc; we will be able to celebrate whatever you achieve.

“Go out there and express yourself and know that the whole country is cheering for you; it is your moment and your time and chance to excel. We expect that you go and give it your best,” Tashobya advised.

“Let your target be to perform at 100%, push yourself so that at the end of your activity, you say I have given it my best. Remain disciplined as a group so that you can be able to achieve your targets,” Tashobya stated.

The athletes left with each promising ‘to be brave in the attempt’. Uganda will be represented in volleyball, athletics, swimming, football, and table tennis.

“We are excited to have such representation and we know they will represent us to the best of their abilities. We always have funding gaps but NCS has come in a big way to fund our tickets, the Germany Embassy also waived the visa fees so we are grateful for their kindness,” Ruth Ssebatindira, the chairperson of Special Olympics Uganda stated. The Special Olympics World Games are the world's largest inclusive sports event where thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities compete together in 26 sports.

The teams:

Volleyball: Maria Kobumanzi, Stella Nandugwa, Emmanuel Atubait, Robert Odongo, Samuel Opolot, Stephen Onyait, Robert Okello, Ibrahim Ssesanga, Raymond Kabiswa and Juliet Kisakye.

Swimming: Kevin Adia, Larry Feni, Praise Odoi,

Football: Joseph Alumansi, Jacob Eliya, Mathias Kiiza, Amjad Mawanda, Joshua Munanura, Danny Mutungi, Cyrus Sseruwagi, Gerald Arobe, Ibrahim Businge, Jimmy Muyomba, Micheal Ndawula, Moses Ssenyonga,

Athletics: Daisy Aber Okumu, Hellen Akello, Solomon Ocitti, Michael Kasozi,

Table tennis: Cleopatra Bulaga, Sharif Mugerwa

Coaches: Samuel Kiggundu, Joel Ssebaggala, Shamira Nakisige, Zabra Njagala, Florence Nsangi, George William Ssegawa, Lawrence Ndugwa, Bashir Ssekandi, Charlotte Murungi