Commonwealth team gets funds assurance

Dec 31, 2009

STATE sports Minister Charles Bakkabulindi has assured Ugandan sportsmen that funds will be available to send a team to the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in October.

By Norman Katende
And reuben Olita


STATE sports Minister Charles Bakkabulindi has assured Ugandan sportsmen that funds will be available to send a team to the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi in October.

“We budgeted for the team. I would like to assure the sportsmen that they should train hard and aim at flying Uganda’s flag high,” said the minister after receiving the Queen’s baton from Col. Kuldeep Banshtu, the director of the baton relay.

Speaking at Entebbe airport after receiving the Commonwealth Queens baton on Wednesday night, Bakkabulindi quashed fears of lack of funds. Uganda is the 19th country of 71 countries the baton is visiting before it heads for Seychelles January 2.

Commonwealth 3000m Steeplechase champion Dorcus Inzikuru carried the torch to Kampala in a motorcade. Acting Indian High Commissioner K. N. Mohanakumaran and Uganda Olympic Committee officials received the baton.

The baton, which started its journey from Buckingham Palace on October 29, is aimed at popularising the games and carries the Queen’s message, which will be read at the Opening ceremony of the games. The baton will today continue its Ugandan journey with a breakfast courtesy of NCS before it heads to Jinja.

  • President Jakaya Kikwete has challenged Tanzanian athletes not to come back home from the Commonwealth Games with excuses.

    Speaking while receiving the Queen’s Baton relay, Kikwete told the athletes that they should go to the games with a clear target of ten medals.

    “Tanzanians are demanding this from you because the government has provided the associations with coaches,” he said. Kikwete urged the Tanzania Olympic Committee and sports associations to start preparations early.

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