World University Games team arrives in South Korea

Jul 01, 2015

The Ugandan contingent of 35 athletes and 13 officials arrived safely in Gwangju City, South Korea ahead of the 28th Summer World University Games that start with an opening ceremony on Friday July 3.

By Thomas Muruka

The Ugandan contingent of 35 athletes and 13 officials arrived safely in Gwangju City, South Korea ahead of the 28th Summer World University Games that start with an opening ceremony on Friday July 3.


The team arrived at exactly 3:35 am Korean time after a 17 hour flight from Entebbe to Seoul, Incheon Airport.  Led by head of delegation and Ndejje University sports tutor Paul Kayongo, they were ushered in by officials from the organising committee.  Kayongo praised the level of organisation displayed.

“This is quit outstanding, we don’t mind spending here an extra month after the games” an excited Kayongo boosted.

Basketballer Aisha Nalubuye left at Entebbe airport

Meanwhile, basketball player and Kampala International University student Aisha Nalubuye missed her flight after she forgot her passport at the Association of University sports Uganda (AUUS) office in Kampala.

The Deputy Head of Delegation Patrick Sebuliba could not believe the news having briefed the students a day before the flight to have all their passports handed to the team captain.

“I told them to hand over all their travel documents to their respective captains, but sometimes these students just want to be spoon fed” a visibly depressed Sebuliba explained.

Officials are still optimistic she will make it in time for the games; however she will have to pay an extra $50 for her cancelled ticket.

South Korean prime minister visits games village

South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn on Wednesday paid a surprise visit at the World University Games village ahead of the official opening ceremony on Friday.

Gwangju City Mayor Jang-hyun Yoon took Hwang Kyo-ahn round the games village which is the size of 8 football pitches with 22 apartments housing 14,000 athletes, officials plus coaches.

The Prime Minister who took over office last month was excited with the works put up by the organizing committee, who have spent close to $1million to have a successful event.

The two week long games will see over 8000 athletes take part in the biennial event. The official opening ceremony will take place at the Universiade Park, main stadium.

Athletes will compete for 272 gold medals in 21 sports disciplines.

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