Ugandan Para-Badminton star in need of funds

PARA-BADMINTON

Africa and Uganda's number one Para-Badminton star in the SL3 class Elizabeth Mwesigwa stands to miss out on valuable ranking points that could dent her chance to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Mwesigwa needs to gain 1000 ranking points in order to compete at the tournament and one way to do that is by actively taking part in high-profile competitions.

Due to her standout performances at the Dubai Para-Badminton International, the Uganda Para-Badminton and the Africa Para-Badminton Championships in Kampala, she has been invited for the Thailand Para-Badminton tournament in Bangkok.

To enter the competition, Mwesigwa needs to first raise $100 (about sh380,000) by Friday to ensure she books her place in the competition.

"If I don't pay the $100 needed to register for the competition by Friday, then my Paralympics dream could be finished," Mwesigwa told New Vision.

The Para star has failed to raise that amount and she feels she has the ability to win the tournament if given a chance in her SL3 class.

If she is able to attain the 500 points she needs to get to 1000, she will be able to inspire other Para athletes and help raise Uganda's flag just like the other athletes in the country.

"I believe that whatever normal athletes can do so can we Para athletes -- only that we do it differently. We also can bring medals and, most importantly, the Uganda flag can be raised," Mwesigwa said.