Uganda, Russia enter Sports pact

By Norman Katende

Ugandan athletes will soon start benefiting from the expertise of one of the world’s sports power houses Russia.

"We will cooperate in many areas. We will be available to come and share our expertise in area of sports and also your young athletes will get a chance to apply for our leading sports universities," said Elena Anikina, Head of Directorate for International Cooperation at the Russia Olympic Committee.

Anikina made the remarks after the two national Olympic Committees signed a memorandum of understanding to share technical expertise.

Uganda Olympic Committee president William Blick and his Russian counterpart Alexander Zhukov signed the memorandum at the famous Russia House at Kensington Gardens here in London.

The agreement will see the exchange of technical personnel and equipment, with a main aim of seeing that Uganda develops its structures.

“What we want is to work with the big bodies and improve our sports. This will mean that our athletes will have an opportunity of camping in Russia and attending their sports academies,” said Blick after signing the agreement.

UOC legal advisor Moses Mwase and general secretary Peninah Kabenge also attended.

“It is a good breakthrough not for athletics but for all sports,” said Blick, who also invited them to attend the coming Commonwealth Games sports meeting due in Kampala next month.

Russia is currently 6th on the medal table, having won 42 medals. 

Russia will also host the next Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.