President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Mrs. Janet Museveni have flagged-off Team Uganda for the Summer Olympic Games Paris 2024 in France.
The games will run from 26 July to 11 August 2024.
President Museveni was happy to note that many young people are coming up to be good sportsmen and women.
He also informed the athletes that sports have a lot of benefits which include, fitness, character formation, entertainment, employment and creation of publicity. He advised the athletes to be disciplined if they are to achieve their dreams.
“Strictly good living is very important to be able to reach your potential. Of course, the sports period is very short, and you need to use that time well,” he advised.
The President said government is committed to invest more in sports to enhance the sector, by bringing on board more talent .
“We have done a few things like peace in the country, these children from Kapchorwa are able to run because Karamojongs no longer disturb them,” President Museveni said.
“Then going to school; we need to have education totally free. We have been fighting for this but some people want to bring back the charges, but we really want to make it free because that is how some children come up [through the education system] and then we identify them.”
The President encouraged the athletes to join the army, police and prisons services as a tactic to preserve their skills.
“I always encourage our young people to join the army, police and the prisons because when you are there, you have got a small salary, some accommodation and time to train.”
education and Sports Minister Janet Museveni congratulated the athletes for the lifetime achievement of representing Uganda in the greatest gathering of athletes in the world.
“I challenge you to take on this role of being ambassadors of your country with such humility because someone else could have taken your place on this team – but God chose that this be your season to glorify Him with your body through sports. If you clothe yourself with the humility that such a service requires, you shall be able to resist the pride that comes with such an opportunity. And we all know what pride can do to us – it simply brings us down,” she said.
The First Lady also thanked President Museveni for his total dedication to supporting sports in the country.
“You have been there and available when we call upon you to flag off our various sports teams. You have championed the improvement of our sportsmen and sports women. You have been true to your word that as our revenues improve as a country, we shall see more investments in Sports – and indeed we are seeing all this come to pass,” Maama Janet noted.
She also revealed that the government of Uganda has funded the development of the world class National High Altitude Training Centre at Teryet in Kapchorwa – and the first phase is now complete.
“And of course, the world class stadium being developed in Hoima City as well as the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira City are designed to be fully established with facilities for not only football but all athletics disciplines. Mr. President, we are grateful that these facilities, once complete, shall facilitate a total transformation in the development of young sportsmen and women in our country right from the grassroots way beyond AFCON 2027.”
The Ambassador of France to Uganda, H.E Xavier Sticker told President Museveni that France as the host country is ready to play its part in ensuring that the games are a success. “France is ready to play its hospitality part.”
The President of the Uganda Olympic Committee – Dr. Donald Rukare said that Uganda will represented by a team of 25 athletes in Paris.
Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, the Ministry of Education and Sports Permanent Secretary, Ms. Ketty Lamaro, the Chairperson of the National Council of Sports, Mr. Ambrose Tashobya, attended the ceremony.
Uganda Athletes To Paris Olympics
Men: Tarsis Orogot (200m), Tom Drariga (800m), Jacob Kiplimo (5000m/10,000m), Joshua Cheptegei (5000m/10,000m), Oscar Chelimo (5000m), Martin Kiprotich (10,000m), Leonard Chemonges (3000m SC), Victor Kiplangat (Marathon), Stephen Kissa (Marathon), Andrew Kwemoi (Marathon)
