Wheelchair basketballers turn focus to Nairobi event
Para Sport. Gulu Wheelchair Basketball team (blue) was too much for Kampala in the National Paralympic Games in Nkozi. PHOTO BY ABDUL-NASSER SSEMUGABI
About 24 wheelchair basketball players (men and women) have been summoned for national training at Lugogo ahead of the East African Zone V Championship in Nairobi later this month.
This is going to be the first time Uganda takes part in a national team event since the advent of wheelchair basketball in 2012, but Sulaiman Mayanja, the president of the Uganda Wheelchair Basketball Association, flattered his players that “victory belongs to us.”
After two weeks of training at the national sports complex, the squad will be trimmed down for the final selection. However, there are still issues regarding the wheelchairs to be used during training. Some of those used at the National Paralympic Games in Mpigi last week need to be repaired, while others are inappropriate for the sport. Funds for meals and other necessities are also lacking.
But Mayanja is determined: “We must go to Nairobi come no matter what, and we must return with that trophy,” he assured the players after Gulu walloped Kampala 37-19 in Mpigi Saturday.
“So come with heart to sacrifice, persevere and play for the national team. I’m not resting but I’m looking
