On Saturday, 2nd May, Dolphins Swim Club Kampala hosted a powerful and timely initiative dubbed “Breakfast with Dolphins”, bringing together female swimmers aged 12 and above for a morning of learning, mentorship, and empowerment.
The breakfast held at the club’s Aga Khan Kololo location was under the theme “Supporting Female Teenage Athletes in Competitive Swimming: Multidisciplinary Perspectives”.
The event created a safe and engaging space for young athletes to better understand themselves, their sport, and the opportunities ahead.
At the heart of the session were facilitators Jamilah Lunkuse and Mary Ann Isabirye, who guided participants through a series of insightful discussions tailored specifically to the needs of female swimmers.
The sessions tackled a wide range of topics, reflecting the complex and often under-discussed realities of female participation in sport. Athletes were guided through understanding their bodies and how environmental factors affect performance, while also exploring the fundamental physiological differences between male and female swimmers.
Nutrition and strength training, critical pillars in athletic success, were addressed with a gender-specific lens, ensuring that the girls left with practical knowledge they can apply both in and out of the pool. Injury prevention strategies were also highlighted, alongside conversations on managing stress, a challenge many young athletes face as they balance school, training, and personal growth.
Mental wellness also took center stage during the event through conversations on dealing with stress as a female swimmer, particularly balancing academics, competition pressures and personal life. Participants were encouraged to speak openly about their struggles and were given strategies for managing stress and staying mentally strong.
The final discussion focused on opportunities for women in sports, exposing the young athletes to the many career pathways available beyond competing, including coaching, administration, sports science, media and leadership roles.
For many attendees, the impact of the event was immediate and deeply personal.
Fifteen-year-old swimmer Theresa Kikambi shared how swimming has shaped her life beyond the pool. She spoke about the discipline, friendships, and opportunities the sport has given her, noting that it has influenced even her educational journey. “Swimming has taught me many things and created a social impact in my life,” she said, highlighting the strong sense of community among her peers.
Iskara Mukandi, a yoga teacher who attended the session, emphasised the value of the knowledge shared. She noted that the discussions helped demystify challenges female athletes face, while offering practical solutions and building confidence. “It taught me how to drive myself more as a female athlete and what to expect,” she explained.
Other swimmers echoed similar sentiments. Sebana Kayla described the session as “great and fruitful,” while Sebana Jehan highlighted the importance of creating spaces where girls can openly share their experiences and inspire one another. Michelle, another swimmer, appreciated the practical lessons, noting that she gained new insights into training techniques and personal discipline.
Long-time club member Crystal Ssemanda reflected on her decade-long journey with Dolphins, pointing out the club’s continued commitment to nurturing young talent and creating meaningful growth opportunities.
More than just a breakfast meeting, the event underscored a growing recognition within Uganda’s swimming community: that supporting female athletes requires more than physical training alone. It demands a comprehensive approach, one that integrates education, mental well-being, and mentorship.
By creating platforms like “Breakfast with Dolphins”, Dolphins Swim Club continues to position itself not only as a competitive force but also as a champion for athlete development and gender inclusion in sport.
As the session concluded, one message stood clear: when young female athletes are equipped with the right knowledge, support, and confidence, they are better prepared not just to compete, but to thrive.