Paralympics team desperate for trainers
Oct 23, 2014
The Para Swimming Association members who are part of the Uganda Paralympic Committee believe they are capable of performing to expectations at next year's All Africa Games if they are given a professional coach to help them in preparations.
By David Namunyala
National Disabled Sports Gala
Thursday
Rowing
Wheel chair basketball
Seat ball
Amputee soccer
Athletics
The Para Swimming Association members who are part of the Uganda Paralympic Committee believe they are capable of performing to expectations at next year's All Africa Games if they are given a professional coach to help them in preparations.
Among them is promising swimmer Antony Opio who insisted that besides financial support, a coach who knows the needs of the disabled will help them perfect their skills as they prepare for the games in Congo Brazzavile.
"We are ready to represent the nation at all costs but we only lack a coach to provide positive guidance in building the team because we currently train on our own and just have the basics," Opio said.
Opio who says was inspired by South Africa's athlete Oscar Pistorious made the remarks after the national disabled sports gala swimming exhibition that was held at Makerere University.
Opio and five others, Joan Nagujja, Danel Kizza, Robert Masikoma, Gotham Lubega and Jerald Kaketo, raised other problems like lack of finances and a swimming pool as the factors that have continued to affect their career growth.
Meanwhile at the opening ceremony that was held at Kyambogo University later in the day chief guest, Mildred Tibananuka who represented the university's' vice chancellor advised the athletes to maintain discipline not only during the games but even in the community.
"It won't be right if we heard that one of you has done any injustice out there in pretense of being disabled, try to be exemplary to the community," Tibananuka said.
Athletes will also take part in athletics, sitball, sitting volleyball, goal ball, table tennis, archery, lawn tennis, power lifting, boccia, shooting, scrabble, rowing, wheelchair basketball, amputee soccer, tag rugby for the deaf and woodball.
The best performers at the inaugural event ending Friday will book places in the All Africa games in Congo Brazzaville.
RELATED STORIES: