President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, alongside the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, officially flagged off Team Uganda for the Summer Olympic Games in Paris 2024. The games are scheduled to run from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
During the ceremony at State House, Entebbe, President Museveni expressed his pleasure at seeing many young Ugandans emerging as promising athletes. He highlighted the numerous benefits of sports, including fitness, character development, entertainment, employment, and publicity. Additionally, the President emphasized the importance of discipline for athletes to achieve their goals.
“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.
President Museveni also mentioned the government’s increased investment in sports to enhance the sector. He credited the peace in the country for enabling athletes from regions like Kapchorwa to train without disturbances. He reiterated the government’s commitment to free education, which helps in identifying and nurturing young talent.
Furthermore, the President encouraged athletes to consider careers in the army, police, and prison services to secure a stable income and training time.
Maama Janet Museveni congratulated the athletes on their significant achievement of representing Uganda on the world stage. She urged them to embrace their roles as ambassadors with humility and resist the pride that comes with such opportunities. The First Lady also praised President Museveni for his unwavering support for sports in Uganda.
“You have championed the improvement of our sportsmen and sportswomen. You have been true to your word that as our revenues improve, we shall see more investments in sports,” she noted.
She also highlighted the government’s funding of the National High Altitude Training Centre at Teryet in Kapchorwa and the development of world-class stadiums in Hoima and Lira cities, which will facilitate the growth of various athletic disciplines.
The French Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Xavier Sticker, assured President Museveni that France is prepared to host a successful Olympic Games.
The President of the Uganda Olympic Committee, Dr. Donald Rukare, announced that Uganda will be represented by a team of 25 athletes in Paris, the same number that competed in Tokyo 2021. He acknowledged the progressive support for sports from the government.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, the Ministry of Education and Sports Permanent Secretary, Ms. Ketty Lamaro, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Sports, Mr. Ambrose Tashobya, among others.
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