Broke URU calls on public to fund Rugby Cranes activities
Solomon Okia dashes to the try line during a previous Rugby Cranes Sevens encounter. File photo
KAMPALA. Faced with financial difficulties, the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has asked the public to help facilitate the national senior men’s 15s team, the Rugby Cranes.
The team has a busy international schedule ahead, among them, the Elgon Cup against Kenya.
The first leg of the Elgon Cup is due June 13 in Nairobi and the return leg, a week later in Kampala.
The Rugby Cranes will then play the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Tier B tournament due July 2-11 in Kampala.
The tournament involves Madagascar, Ivory coast, Senegal, Mauritius and Botswana.
To make an impact in this tournaments, however, the Rugby Cranes will need to be at their sharpest.
But with URU admitting that they lack adequate funds to facilitate the team’s preparations, the Ruby Cranes are now at the public mercy. “We call upon well-wishers to help facilitate training sessions and player allowances,” URU CEO, Ramsey Olinga, said while launching ‘Guardian Angel’ 2015 edition.
Started by URU and Uganda Rugby Fan Zone, ‘Guardian Angel’ is a project aimed at involving the public in national team matters.
“To play for your country is the highest honour in rugby,” Olinga added. “No amount of financial attachment can be equated to the feeling one has in their heart when the national anthem is played for them,” he added.
Small contributions
For only Shs875,000, an individual or group can sponsor a position in preparation for the busy international calendar to cover training costs for the players such as meals, water, allowances for three months starting April.
Individuals can also contribute as little as Shs500 daily or weekly depending on their financial muscle.
Companies or groups can also contribute Shs250,000 to cater for other national team costs.
The drive is also meant to make fans feel part of the team’s journey from preparations till the end.
The fans will be engaged in activities like watching training sessions and trial games. The ‘Guardian Angel’ campaign was also used last year to help the national 7s side prepare for the CAR tournament and it was a success. The national team is currently training at Kyadondo.
