David GOMBE
The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) has on Thursday, 18th April launched the 100 Days countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Chopper Chimney in Lugogo.
The event that was graced by France Ambassador to Uganda H.E Xavier Sticker, Minister of Sports Peter Ogwang, Uganda Olympic Committee President Donald Rukare, National Council of Sports General Secretary Dr.Benard Patrick Ogwel and International Olympic Committee member William Blick.
This is the 17th time that Uganda is participating in the Olympic Games. Uganda first participated at the Olympic Games in 1956.
The Paris Games are scheduled to start on 26th July to 11th August, 2024.
Moses Mwase, the Chef de mission revealed that Uganda has so far qualified 21 Athletes for the games in Paris.
At the Tokyo Games, Uganda was represented by a team of 25 individuals.
“We have so far managed to qualify 21 athletes and we are hopeful that more will qualify in games such as Badminton, Rugby and Boxing.”
UOC, President Rukare asserted that they will ensure that the nation wins medals at the games in Paris
“Qualifying for Olympics is one of the pinnacle for all athletes. We will try and ensure that the medals come. I take this opportunity to thank our sponsors for the support they have rendered to team Uganda.” Said Rukare
Meanwhile, the State Minister for Sports Ogwang confirmed that Teryet High Altitude training centre is now ready
“The Teryet High Altitude training centre is ready and very soon the president will come commissioning it,” Said Ogwang
Uganda has won 11 medals in the history all coming in athletics and Boxing. Four of them being gold, four silver and three bronze medals. Uganda’s first medal at the games came in 1972 with John Akii-Bua’s gold over the 400m hurdles in Munich.
Uganda won four medals at the 2020 Tokyo Games, 2 gold medals, 1 silver and 1 bronze.
Joshua Cheptegei won gold over 5000m and Silver in the 10000m with his compatriot Jacob Kiplimo clinching bronze over 10000m.
Peruth Chemutai became the first ever Ugandan female athlete to clinch Olympic Gold following her triumph in Tokyo over the 3000m Women Steeplechase.