Boxer Wanyama wants Hall of Fame
Apr 09, 2008
FORMER World Boxing Federation cruiser weight champion Franco “Thunderbird†Wanyama wants Uganda’s sports heroes immortalised in a Hall of Fame.
By James Bakama
FORMER World Boxing Federation cruiser weight champion Franco “Thunderbird†Wanyama wants Uganda’s sports heroes immortalised in a Hall of Fame.
“If that’s too much for the country, then we should have at least something on the sports stars in our national museum,†insisted the retired pugilist.
The England-based former boxer cited the case of international idols like John Akii-Bua, Eridadi Mukwanga, Leo Rwabwogo, Ayub Kalule, Boza Edwards and John “The Beast†Mugabi.
“Ask the current generation of youngsters about these heroes and you will be shocked to learn that little or literally nothing is known about them,†explained Wanyama, currently a youth trainer in Rugbyborough.
He stressed that it is through recognition in, for instance a Hall of Fame, that sportsmen can have idols from whom they can seek motivation. Wanyama also appealed to sports authorities to start a sports fund to cater for sportsmen, who in most cases retire in abject poverty.
“I know there are those who argue that the world does not owe us a living. But remember we keep an entire nation’s spirits up by being good ambassadors. So, if say civil servants can earn a pension, why not sportsmen also.
“It hits me like a sharp upper cut to learn that some of my colleagues can not even afford shoes,†he lamented.
Wanyama plans to give something back to the sport that propped him into international headlines by equipping the national side and linking local clubs to similar institutions abroad. Wanyama, 40, was on three occasions East, Central and Southern Africa champion.
FORMER World Boxing Federation cruiser weight champion Franco “Thunderbird†Wanyama wants Uganda’s sports heroes immortalised in a Hall of Fame.
“If that’s too much for the country, then we should have at least something on the sports stars in our national museum,†insisted the retired pugilist.
The England-based former boxer cited the case of international idols like John Akii-Bua, Eridadi Mukwanga, Leo Rwabwogo, Ayub Kalule, Boza Edwards and John “The Beast†Mugabi.
“Ask the current generation of youngsters about these heroes and you will be shocked to learn that little or literally nothing is known about them,†explained Wanyama, currently a youth trainer in Rugbyborough.
He stressed that it is through recognition in, for instance a Hall of Fame, that sportsmen can have idols from whom they can seek motivation. Wanyama also appealed to sports authorities to start a sports fund to cater for sportsmen, who in most cases retire in abject poverty.
“I know there are those who argue that the world does not owe us a living. But remember we keep an entire nation’s spirits up by being good ambassadors. So, if say civil servants can earn a pension, why not sportsmen also.
“It hits me like a sharp upper cut to learn that some of my colleagues can not even afford shoes,†he lamented.
Wanyama plans to give something back to the sport that propped him into international headlines by equipping the national side and linking local clubs to similar institutions abroad. Wanyama, 40, was on three occasions East, Central and Southern Africa champion.