Otuke in a bid to rise again

Dec 18, 2013

Otuke district is plotting to become an athletics power ahead of the 2014 season. As a step to making their dream a reality, the district has started a holiday camp for budding athletes in the northern region.

By Samson Opus

Otuke district is plotting to become an athletics power ahead of the 2014 season. As a step to making their dream a reality, the district has started a holiday camp for budding athletes in the northern region.

The camp that opened last Thursday with 67 athletes is facilitated by former Olympian Julius Achon. According to Achon, the idea of the camp is to motivate young athletes in the area who were greatly affected by the LRA insurgency.

“My objective is to inspire other former athletes to find ways of improving their community. One person can make a difference,” said the US-based former quarter-miler who thanked National Council of Sports for their support.

Achon is also the man behind the annual Achon Cross Country that has gained a lot of interest from youth in the area. District sports officer Ramadhan Akulla, a former national middle distance star, said the camp that is meant to become regular would help to nurture the abundant talent in the area.

“This camp will help us easily identify and nurture talent, and when the opportunity comes we expose them,” said Akulla who trains the athletes alongside Ageta Bua.

The area has produced some of the great athletes including 1972 Olympic gold medalist John Akii-Bua, Hellen Alyek, Mark Ogola and Achon.

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