Overview:
Para-Table Tennis female player Anna Harriet Anzoa, 15, is an S.2 student at Caltec Academy Makerere. She only got to know about her physical status when she was about 4 years old.
Anna Harriet Anzoa’s right hand is amputated (following an accident when she was 2 years old) at the elbow disarticulation.
The 15-year-old S.2 student at Caltec Academy Makerere only got to know about her physical status when she was about 4 years old.
Anzoa has virtually grown up with only one hand (left) that she uses to execute the daily chores including bathing, washing clothes, dressing up, writing and playing her favourite sport, Table Tennis.
“I do everything myself. My mother (Francisco Uttua) taught me a lot as I grew up. At school, I have a friend (Praise Nakalema) who chips in here and there to help out. Since I learnt Table Tennis last year (2022), I have liked the game and even play better than some normal people” she attests.
Sporting Journey:
Anzoa has previously played football and done athletics before the latest switch to Table Tennis.
“I used to run and play football. When coach Regina (Nakibuule) saw me at Caltec school, she advised me to give a try at Table Tennis. Today, I am a national champion and I give all the glory and honour to God” she adds.
In 2021, Anzoa featured in the national schools para games held in Iganga, playing Table Tennis where she scooped gold.
Anzoa is the last born child in the family of five to John Dralaga (now deceased) and Francisco Uttua.
She was born on 28th August 2008 in Moyo District, West Nile region.
Education:
Anzoa started her elementary education at Besia primary school in Moyo (P1-P4).
In primary five, she transferred to St Maria Florence until she completed P7.
For secondary school education, she was admitted at Caltec Academy Makerere under the bursary scheme from St Kizito Foundation.
At Caltec Academy, she started to play football with schoolmates and later tried Table Tennis as inspired by the school head coach Regina Nakibuule.
I owe my Table Tennis journey to coach Regina Nakibuule. She motivated, trained and encouraged me. I had to leave football where I was not being given enough opportunity. She built my self-esteem and confidence, I learnt more skills and today, I am a champion. I want to play at the global stage in international champions, Commonwealth games and the Olympics.
Anna Harriet Anzoa, Para Table Tennis player
Anzoa is now 15 years-old and praises his fore hand during competitions.
Her best friend is Praise Nakalema who helps her with a couple of tasks like washing clothes and class work.
Andrew Kakabara, a teacher of Entrepreneurship is her best teacher.