I SAY SO
Oct 01, 2006
<b>Gulu gym is a big boost </b><br>FAILURE to sustain boxing gymnasiums is one of the reasons Uganda’s most successful sport has, over the past two decades, nose dived.
By James Bakama
FAILURE to sustain boxing gymnasiums is one of the reasons Uganda’s most successful sport has, over the past two decades, nose dived.
Namilyango College’s pyramid, which churned out legends like Tom Kawere, Alex Odhiambo and Francis Nyangweso, is today a library!
Nsambya drill shade is remembered for some titanic battles that brought forth fine talents like Mathias Ouma. The facility has since turned into a school.
Kilembe Mines gymnasium was the conveyor that moulded Olympic medalists Leo Rwabwogo, Eridad Mukwanga and stars like Muhammad Muruli. But it collapsed with the copper industry.
Naguru, home of big names like John “The Beast†Mugabi, Dick “Tiger†Katende and Charles Lubulwa is no different.
Its gymnasium popularly known as “comi†has over the past two decades transformed into a conference hall.
What should however excite fight fans is a development in Gulu.
A new boxing gymnasium was recently started in the northern town by former boxer David Kyambadde.
Kyambadde, a product of downtown Kampala Boxing Club, plans to follow up the Gulu project with similar investments in West Nile and Busia.
Kyambadde’s endeavours could easily pass for some ordinary campaign. After all, how many NGOs have been started in say Gulu for selfish intentions?
You however see a different kind of passion in this dark giant. His dream is to produce world champions — a wish he says is solidly backed by financiers in the US.
“Four years down the road, Uganda’s flag bearers will be from Gulu,†promised Kyambadde.
Kyambadde’s drive, coupled with the fact that he will be operating in an area that is endowed with sports talent, should crystalize his dream.
It’s not only athleticism but also a rare fighting spirit that sets sportsmen from northern Uganda in a class apart.
It’s such qualities that have had teams from war-torn Gulu dominating schools athletics.
Mind you, this is more of raw talent with virtually no technical guidance.
So, imagine what will happen at Gulu’s Redeemed Gymnasium when these talents are also exposed to qualified coaches and training facilities?
Don’t be shocked if boxers from this war ravaged area punch their way into international headlines.
Ends
FAILURE to sustain boxing gymnasiums is one of the reasons Uganda’s most successful sport has, over the past two decades, nose dived.
Namilyango College’s pyramid, which churned out legends like Tom Kawere, Alex Odhiambo and Francis Nyangweso, is today a library!
Nsambya drill shade is remembered for some titanic battles that brought forth fine talents like Mathias Ouma. The facility has since turned into a school.
Kilembe Mines gymnasium was the conveyor that moulded Olympic medalists Leo Rwabwogo, Eridad Mukwanga and stars like Muhammad Muruli. But it collapsed with the copper industry.
Naguru, home of big names like John “The Beast†Mugabi, Dick “Tiger†Katende and Charles Lubulwa is no different.
Its gymnasium popularly known as “comi†has over the past two decades transformed into a conference hall.
What should however excite fight fans is a development in Gulu.
A new boxing gymnasium was recently started in the northern town by former boxer David Kyambadde.
Kyambadde, a product of downtown Kampala Boxing Club, plans to follow up the Gulu project with similar investments in West Nile and Busia.
Kyambadde’s endeavours could easily pass for some ordinary campaign. After all, how many NGOs have been started in say Gulu for selfish intentions?
You however see a different kind of passion in this dark giant. His dream is to produce world champions — a wish he says is solidly backed by financiers in the US.
“Four years down the road, Uganda’s flag bearers will be from Gulu,†promised Kyambadde.
Kyambadde’s drive, coupled with the fact that he will be operating in an area that is endowed with sports talent, should crystalize his dream.
It’s not only athleticism but also a rare fighting spirit that sets sportsmen from northern Uganda in a class apart.
It’s such qualities that have had teams from war-torn Gulu dominating schools athletics.
Mind you, this is more of raw talent with virtually no technical guidance.
So, imagine what will happen at Gulu’s Redeemed Gymnasium when these talents are also exposed to qualified coaches and training facilities?
Don’t be shocked if boxers from this war ravaged area punch their way into international headlines.
Ends