Athletes risk losing Olympic scholarships

Nov 25, 2014

Athletes who secured the Rio 2016 Olympic Solidarity training Scholarships risk being scrapped off the scheme if they decline in performance during the Olympic qualifying period.

By Johnson Were

Athletes who secured the Rio 2016 Olympic Solidarity training Scholarships risk being scrapped off the scheme if they decline in performance during the Olympic qualifying period.

The Uganda Olympic Committee General Secretary, Dr.Donald Rukare told the New Vision that those who got the Scholarships should not take it lightly and relax but must improve on performance in all the qualifying competitions around the world.

“Yes they have got the scholarships but they should not take it for granted and relax. Any athlete that doesn't live to expectations will lose his or her Scholarship,” Rukare stated.

“Some of these qualifications are by point accumulation and others like swimming and athletics are based on time clocked during competitions, so performing below standard disqualifies you from the scholarship,” Rukare explained.

On Monday , athletes including, Duncan Mugabe(lawn Tennis),Jamila Lunkunse,Elisha Ekirikubinza,Arnold Kisuro(Swimming),Becky Namusoke, Hakim Ssempereza,Jamiru Lubega, Charles Ssekyaya(Weight Lifting),Edwin Ekiring Shamim Bangi(Badminton) received their Olympic Solidarity scholarship certificates at a function held at UOC in Lugogo.

Others that won the Scholarships are, Gerald Ssemambo, Alfred Okello, Stanley Kaijage, Constance Mbambu, Suzan Nabukenya and Betty Nabifo (Rowing).

Out of the eighteen athletes, Duncan Mugabe, Jamilla Lunkuse and Charles Ssekyaya are on the Brazil Rio 2016 Olympic preparation training scholarship grants while the rest are on the Africa continental support grants 2014.