FISU Games team urged to deliver historic medal haul and national pride

Uganda’s team to this year’s FISU World University Games has been tasked to represent the country with pride but also return with medals surpassing previous achievements from similar games.

This message was echoed by both the National Council of Sports General Secretary Patrick Ogwel and National Insurance Corporation Managing Director Elias Edu, whose company offered $14,000 insurance coverage to the team.

Before Ogwel flagged off the team, Edu, who was in the company of Jocelyn Ucanda, appreciated the officials and coaches for the work done in maintaining the team

“We are celebrating a significant opportunity not only for this team but for Uganda as a whole. I believe these young athletes have worked so hard and have earned the opportunity to raise the national flag and we congratulate them,” Edu said.

He said NIC’s CSR initiatives are geared towards sports for obvious reasons. ’Sports develops the youth and the nation, and it builds particularly the youth who are the leaders of tomorrow.”

He noted that NIC has been associated with sports for a very long time and has supported the national university team since 2016.

“We have a track record of supporting the national team on top of our NIC netball team. As we flag you off, we know we are flagging off champions. There are so many expectations, and it means that we must strive collectively to ensure we come back with more success than recorded in the past,” Edu implored the team.

“This team will create history if that goal is met. This team has always brought recognition to our brand in national and international events. The FISU World University Games, being a prestigious global competition, provides an excellent platform to showcase our commitment to youth development and sports excellence as our core CSR focus.

“This team carries more than the sports gear they wear. They carry the hopes, the talent, and the image of the nation. As you compete, we urge you to uphold the highest standards of discipline, respect, and sportsmanship. Please compete with heart and return not just with results but with rich experience and confidence that comes from international exposure,” Edu stated.

He commended AUUS and NCS for their passion and continued leadership and dedication in preparing our students for global opportunities.

Ogwel congratulated AUUS and the entire university sports movement for implementing sports promotion for Uganda through university sport. I have been part of the big dream to see university sport grow every year, he said.

He thanked the AUUS leadership and all the sports tutors for enduring to promote sports. Congratulated the athletes for making it to the biggest sporting event for university sport in the world. And the technical people and universities for putting in the resources.

He also thanked NIC for leveraging sports development and for their continued partnership. ”As a country, we are on the right trajectory of sports development that puts the athletes at the center of development. We have supported AUUS programs for years, and we are still committed to supporting you,” he stated.

“There is pride in hosting but also in representing the country, so as you go, you should know that you are going to represent Uganda, and you are the pride of the country. Go as ambassadors, exhibit the highest level of discipline, and we shall welcome you in a big way when you win medals

“We should have no less than four medals from this contingent of 40. He promised to support the team with financial support as they compete in Germany.

AUUS treasurer Mark Kayongo asked corporate companies that have not yet come on board to chip in with support to university sports.