IZUMISANO CITY TO HOST FIRST BATCH OF TEAM UGANDA TO TOKYO OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES FOR PRE-GAMES TRAINING CAMP

Uganda’s first batch to the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo Japan have set off for a Pre-games Training Camp in the city of Izumisano, Japan.

The delegation comprising of athletes from Boxing, Swimming and Weightlifting have today been flagged off by the Hon. Hamson Denis Obua, Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports) at National Council of Sports offices in Lugogo. The delegation headed by Mr. David Katende, Assistant General Secretary/ Technical departs tomorrow 18th June 2021 and will arrive in Izumisano on 19th June 2021.

The Government of Uganda and Japanese cities of Izumisano and Tateshina signed protocols to have Ugandan athletes hold Pre-games training in the two Japanese cities with the aim of acclimatizing athletes to the conditions of Japan before the actual games slated for 23rd July to 08th August 2021 for the Olympic Games while the Paralympic Games will take place from the 24th August to 05th September 2021.

Hon. Hamson Obua while flagging off the team advised the athletes ‘In Everything you do, aim for the best-for your names to feature in the story of Olympics.’ ‘This is the biggest contingent Uganda has taken to the Olympics and Paralympic Games in the history of Uganda, this must translate into medal tally.’ He added.

The Minister of Sports shared with the delegation from 1 Corinthians 9:25 ‘Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.’

Also in attendance was the Embassy of Japan in Uganda, Charge d’ Affairs, Mr. Horii Mizumoto who reiterated the city of Izumisano’s readiness to host team Uganda before going for the games in Tokyo.

The NCS Chairman, Dr. Donald Rukare thanked the Government of Uganda, through National Council of Sports for taking full charge of facilitating Team Uganda to the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games, the Local Organising Committee and Uganda Olympic Committee for ably planning the team’s participation and the sponsors: Uganda Tourism Board, ABSA Bank, Lato Milk and Sanlam Insurance for coming on board to support Team Uganda in different capacities.

The NCS General Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ogwel noted that the government of Uganda, through National Council of Sports have massively supported Team Uganda through the National Sports Associations/Federations with qualification of athletes, preparation, pre-training and actual participation in the games.

‘Remain Positive while in Tokyo.’ Advised Ms. Ms. Beatrice Ayikoru, the Chef De Mission of Team Uganda.

COMPOSITION OF TEAM UGANDA (FIRST BATCH)
Boxing: Catherine Nanziri, Shadir Musa Bwogi, David Semujju- Coaches: Patrick Lihanda and Muhammed Mulandi

Swimming: Ambale Atuhaire, Kirabo Namutebi-Coach: Muzafar Muwanguzi

Weightlifting: Julius Sekitoleko- Coach: Hakim Sempereza

Head of Delegation: Mr. David S. Katende and Liaison Officer, Mr. Kenichi Shiiya

Thursday, June 17, 2021