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30 athletes from Uganda will compete at the Special Olympics World Games. These are the largest inclusive sporting event in the world, the Special Olympics World Games, will take place in Berlin, Germany, from 17th to 25th June 2023

A group of 45 people left for Berlin on Monday 12^th June 2023, the group was led by the Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang and included thirty athletes, ten coaches, three officials, a medic, and a journalist. They were also joined by NCS Chairman Ambrose Tashobya and National Director of Special Olympics Genevieve Bamwidhukire.

At the flag-off Patrick Ogwel, the general secretary of the NCS, gave the squad the duty of competing and making sure they bring home some medals. He expressed his gratitude to the NCS board for supporting the team and making sure that the nation was represented in the games.

‘’It is an honour to represent the nation, therefore go be our excellent ambassadors and return home with at least a medal that will set you apart from the competition,’’ Ogwel said.

Tashobya expressed his delight that Uganda is sending a team to the global championships, noting that it is one of the most prized sporting ideals to represent one’s nation.

“We want to allow everyone to go and represent the country and show that sports offer an opportunity to express ourselves, to build our internal strength to toughen our characters, to face the challenges, to enjoy the moment, and to share the excitement,” Tashobya noted.

“We expect you to go compete, express yourself, and give your best so that we can have something to celebrate; it could be your personal best, season best, a new record, etc; we will be able to celebrate whatever you achieve. Go out there and express yourself and know that the whole country is cheering for you; it is your moment and your time and chance to excel. We expect that you go and give it your best,” Tashobya advised.

“Let your target be to perform at 100%, push yourself so that at the end of your activity, you say I have given it my best. Remain disciplined as a group so that you can be able to achieve your targets,” Tashobya stated.

The athletes left with each promising to be brave in the attempt.

Uganda will be represented in volleyball, athletics, swimming, football, and table tennis.

“We are excited to have such representation and we know they will represent us to the best of their abilities. We always have funding gaps, but NCS has come in a big way to fund our tickets, the Germany Embassy also waived the visa fees, so we are grateful for their kindness,” Ruth Ssebatindira, the chairperson of Special Olympics Uganda stated.

The Special Olympics World Games are the world’s largest inclusive sports event where thousands of athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities compete together in 26 sports.

The teams:

Volleyball:

Maria Kobumanzi, Stella Nandugwa, Emmanuel Atubait, Robert Odongo, Samuel Opolot, Stephen Onyait, Robert Okello, Ibrahim Ssesanga, Raymond Kabiswa and Juliet Kisakye.

Swimming:

Kevin Adia, Larry Feni, Praise Odoi, Football: Joseph Alumansi, Jacob Eliya, Mathias Kiiza, Amjad Mawanda, Joshua Munanura, Danny Mutungi, Cyrus Sseruwagi, Gerald Arobe, Ibrahim Businge, Jimmy Muyomba, Micheal Ndawula, Moses Ssenyonga,

Athletics:

Daisy Aber Okumu, Hellen Akello, Solomon Ocitti, Michael Kasozi,

Table tennis:

Cleopatra Bulaga, Sharif Mugerwa

Coaches:

Samuel Kiggundu, Joel Ssebaggala, Shamira Nakisige, Zabra Njagala, Florence Nsangi, George William Ssegawa, Lawrence Ndugwa, Bashir Ssekandi, Charlotte Murungi