David GOMBE
The Uganda Zurkaneh Sports Association has successfully held a sports seminar targeting sports enthusiasts, with a call for unity. Iganga provided the perfect venue for the sports seminar that zeroed in on the discipline of Zurkaneh and Wushu respectively.
The training sessions held at the famous Ntinda Valley Hotel drew over 70 participants from about 30 districts (Eastern Region). They learnt the basics of Zurkhaneh and Wushu taking into consideration aspects of team work and individual brilliance.
The president of the Association, Eddie Gombya, had no kind words for saboteurs in the sports sector adding that they are killing the development.
In his remarks on Wednesday, Gombya emphasized the need for unity which is vital for the growth of any sports discipline in the country, whether new or old.
“We can only promote sports if all of us are united. This is a new sport which needs everybody’s input”, Gombya said.
James Kasumba, who represented the NCS General Secretary Dr.Patrick Benard Ogwel;reiterated the body’s position on compliance from associations and federations.
“The law is very clear on sports coverage. Under the new framework, federations and associations must obtain a certificate of recognition and admission, a process that comes with financial obligations-Therefore, each federation must demonstrate coverage-75% and 50% for associations,Kasumba asserted”.
He lauded Gombya for embracing capacity building programs aimed at promoting the sport at regional, national and international levels.
Kasumba encouraged the participants to join the sport which he believes will fetch more international medals for the especially Wushu which has been registered as an Olympic sport.
The training drew a big number of participants from among other districts; Iganga, Mbale, Soroti, Kumi, Bugiri, Kamuli, Busia, Bugwere, Serere, Jinja, Mayuge, Luuka, Amuria,Sironko, Budaka, Bukedea, Bududa, Kaliro, Kibuku, Tororo, Busia,Kibuku, Palisa, Manafwa, Namayingo, Namutumba Kween, Katakwi and Buduuda respectively.
The participants were taken through sessions by the experienced team of the association instructors including; Bago Deo, Ivan Wong Ssenyondo and Kizito Robert.
This is the perfect timing for the sport as the body is enticing new members for bigger exposure internationally.
Uganda is expected to prepare a team for the 2026 World Youth Olympic Games in Dakar Senegal and Wushu is one of the disciplines to compete in the international competition.
