Green Hill defend schools’ title, adaptive Kakundakwe touches hearts
The Dash. Handicapped Kakundakwe was missing in action at the fifth USF Midland Primary Schools Gala due to a rift between her mother and coach. PHOTO BY Ismail Kezaala
KAMPALA.
As adaptive swimmer Husinah Kakundakwe fielded questions about her inspirational display at the fourth edition of the Uganda Swimming Federation (USF) Midland National Primary Schools Gala, she was quickly surrounded by fellow youngsters.
Everyone at Green Hill - Kibuli on Saturday, wanted to hear, first hand, the rousing story of this 10 year old girl that participated in the 100 IM (2:04.54), 50m freestyle (49.55) events and a number of relays. “I have watched many competitions of Paralympic swimmers and that is where I pick inspiration from,” said the Sir Apollo Kaggwa Primary School, Mengo, swimmer with a physically handicapped right arm.
Kakundakwe, now in primary six, started swimming as an enthusiastic child in baby class at Nina Nursery School and now believes she can even be able to save a drowning person.
She also sees the sport as a hobby even when she has to compete against able-bodied athletes.
“It is hard to catch up with the able-bodied swimmers but today was good and fair. I did my best,” Kakundakwe said.
Kakundakwe’s story was the talk of the arena till hosts Green Hill Academy were announced as winners of the gala having successfully defended their trophy at the gala for the first time.
Green Hill, which won the first and third edition of the annual event too held at Rainbow International School, amassed 1,776 points beating second placed Seeta Junior by just 54 points.
