Athletes converge for national trials

By James Bakama

AFTER a hectic cross-country season, the focus shifts to the track and field with the second Uganda Athletics Federation trial at Namboole on Saturday.

Athletes are using the one-day competition as the first attempt at qualifying for various international meets.

Starting at 9am, athletes will be competing for slots in the Africa Senior Championship, World Junior Championship, Commonwealth Games and Youth Olympics.

World University champions Winnie Nanyondo and Joshua Cheptegei will be some of the big names in action.

“My target is the world meet. I have been training hard and should be able to clock a good time,” said Cheptegei. He will be up against some of Uganda’s best talents in the 5000 meters.

A big entry is expected in the 12 ½ lap race from the high altitude camps of Bukwo, Kapchorwa and Eldoret in neighbouring Kenya.

Nanyondo, who turns out for Kampala University, will be battling Ndejje University’s Dorcus Ajok in the 800 meters.

Ali Ngaimoko will be the man to watch in the sprints will be. After two difficult seasons in which he was largely injured, he is determined to shine. He has entered the 200 and 400m.

Programme

8am-arrival, 9am-javelin (men), shot put (women), high jump (men), long jump (women), 9.30- 5,000m (women), 10am-400m (men), 1015am- 400m (women), 10.30am-1500m (women), 10.45am-1500m (men), 11am-100m (women), long jump (men), discuss (women), javelin (women), shot put(men).

11.15am- 100m(men), 11.30am- 5000(men), 12.00-800m (men), 12.15-800m (women), Discuss (men), high jump (women), 12.30-200m (women), 12.45- 200m (men), 1pm-3000m steeplechase(men), triple jump (men), 1.30pm- 4x 100 relay (women), 1.45pm-4x 100 relay (men), 2pm-Assembly, 2.30pm-Departure.