Ugandans to race with world's best in Nairobi

BY James Bakama and William Muwonge UGANDA will be represented by seven athletes at the Kenya National Track and Field Championship starting this afternoon at the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani in Nairobi. The team, led by visiting US coach Curtis Pitman, left yesterday for the three day meet that will serve as Kenya's last selection for the Edmonton World Championship. Uganda will field sprinters Justin Bayiga, Christabella Apio, Veronica Wabukawo and Samuel Mawanda. Others are Paul Wakou (5000m), Tony Okello (1,500) and a triple jumper together with coaches Chris Mugisa and Beatrice Namatovu. UAAF secretary Patrick Okanya said a technical committee meeting resolved to send a senior team instead of juniors. Bacia and Mpanga are tuning up for the World Junior Championship in Hungary next month. The seniors on the other hand are preparing for the Eastern Africa Senior Championship next month in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. For Okello and Wakou the Nairobi competition will double up as a build-up for the Africa Junior Championship in Mauritius in August. Meanwhile Julius Acon has opted to remain in Europe while making final touches for Edmonton. Francis Ogola and Jasper Okello are also in Europe trying out their luck at qualifying for Edmonton. Grace Birungi has already qualified. Ends