Overview:
Seventy five of the expected eighty students invited had pitched camp at Old Kampala Secondary School with daily training sessions at the Makerere University sports grounds between 9th to 28th January 2023.
The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) president Justus Mugisha has appreciated the Government of Uganda for the successful athletics training camp that climaxed on 28th January 2023.
Mugisha saluted the Government for the financial resources that helped them stage a tranquil camp in the capital city, Kampala.
I want to thank the Government of Uganda for the support given unto us to hold this event. The ministry of education and sports in particular the physical education department also helped us. I also extend appreciation to the parents of the children, the children themselves, Old Kampala Secondary School and Makerere University (camp hosts), Standard High School Zzana, Uganda Athletics Federation, coaches, executive of USSSA, media and everyone who contributed positively .
Justus Mugisha, USSSA President
Seventy five of the expected eighty students invited had pitched camp at Old Kampala Secondary School with daily training sessions at the Makerere University sports grounds between 9th to 28th January 2023.
The students were handled by vastly expérienced administrators led by the USSSA Athletics commissionar Mawa.
The head coach of the camp was Raphael Kasajja who was working closely with Justine Bayiga, Ivan Wesonga, Harriet Apolot, Ariokot (Nurse), Opio (physio) and Martin (coach).
Talent identification and development platform:
Mugisha hinted that this camp, the start of the many yet to come is a rich platform to identify and develop talents that will be used in regional, continental and intenational competitions.
The USSSA Athletics training camp is a talent Identification and development programe. We are preparing for nationals, regional games (FEASSSA), continental and world schools champions (U-15).
Justus Mugisha, USSSA President
Before the camp ended, there was an internal competitive trial event held.
This trial was also attended by Lawrence Kavuma, the vice president of Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF).
Kavuma lauded USSSA for this special programme as he called for more training camps.
« I am thrilled by the USSSA athletics camp. Uganda Athletics Federation is very happy for what is going on here. We want to strengthen this relationship. This is the future of athletics in Uganda. I call upon more training camps. This is the future of our athletics in Uganda. As Uganda Athletics Federation, we appreciate the efforts of Uganda Secondary School Sports Association (USSSA). The future is indeed bright » Kasajja who also urged the young athletes to remain focused with education noted.
The athletes’ captain Priscilla Akello praised the management of USSSA for the camp opportunity, thanking them for the preparation and necessary support extended.
Akello hailed their coaches for the work well done throughout the course of the camp.
« I thank USSSA management for planning this training camp as we improve our skills. I thank the coaches who have handled us well throughout the period of the camp. We promise not to give up. » Akello, a student at Standard High School, Zana revealed.
This USSSA Athletics camp will help team Uganda prepare for the regional (FEASSSA), continental and world events in 2023.
The camp had 75 students from across the country ; 57 of these from secondary schools and the rest primary pupils.
Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) is one of the vibrant sports bodies famed for talent identification and nurturing.
