Absa Bank offer Shs50m for Tokyo Games preparations
Quick Boost. UOC president Don Rukare and Absa Bank officials alongside athletes at the launch of the Olympics countdown in Lugogo yesterday.PHOTO/ISMAIL KEZAALA
Athletes bound for the Tokyo Olympics are delighted and hopeful after the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) began the 100-day countdown to the Games yesterday.
Boxing trio of Catherine Nanziri, Shadir Musa and David Ssemujju as well as world 800m champion Halimah Nakaayi, all spoke with enthusiasm as UOC began its final lap to Tokyo yesterday.
“The Games are on. You can’t imagine what we are going through,” remarked Nakaayi, who will be at the Olympics for the second time. The Bombers will be in the ring for the first time. “I will be the first to represent Uganda (in boxing). I am happy and grateful,” said Nanziri.
“I won’t say much because what I do most is in the ring. All I can say is that we want to return here with medals,” stated middleweight Ssemujju.
The countdown to the July 23 - August 8 Games began at 6pm local time yesterday (midnight in Tokyo) and UOC announced its plans at a press conference in Lugogo.
About 23 athletes have qualified in athletics, rowing and boxing with more in skating, rugby, weightlifting and swimming expected, according to UOC secretary general Beatrice Ayikoru.
[email protected]
