Cash prizes introduced for fast and furious swimmers in Dolphin’s gala

Monetary rewards await swimmers who will be able to break the Dolphins Fast and Furious set records from their two-day championship due at Kampala Parents School pool, September 27-28.

Records requiring revision include the 1:32.36 and 1:35.40 times set by Dolphins Swim Club’s Sharlom Birungi and Ethan Ssengooba in the girls and boys 6-8 years 100m IM. Additional records in the 9-10 years category were set by Silverfin’s White Heather (1:19.98) and Dolphins’ Daniel Nuwagaba (1:17.88).

Last year, Jaguars’ Zara Mbanga set a new 11-12 years record of 1:11.78 in the 100m IM. Seals’ John Kafumbe previously recorded 1:09.67. In the 13-14 years category, Kirabo Namutebi and Paulsen Ssettumba set times of 1:09.11 and 1:08.00, respectively. These are among the records that swimmers from 30 participating clubs will aim to surpass during the two-day event.

During a press conference launching the 7th edition of the event at Agakhan Nursery School in Kololo, Dolphins’ official Brandon Ssemanda, joined by the club’s legal officer Sophia Masagazi, announced that 600 swimmers will dive in for five thrilling events that test both speed and precision. The events will include the 100IM, 50m fly, 50 back, 50 freestyle, and 50m breaststroke races.

“It promises to be an exhalating display of talent, dedication and team work from all the over 600 swimmers coming from 30 clubs so it is really going to be big featuring an impressive lineup of events featuring some of the best swimmers from the country,” Ssemanda said.

“These swimmers have been working tirelessly hard to make sure that they perfect their strokes, they build their endurance and push themselves to new heights.”

He extended gratitude to the different coaches, to the officials and sponsors; Steadfast Safaris, Oak Café, MoMoz Oven, Lolli Park-Akamwesi and Pepsi through their Aquafina water and Uganda Aquatics who have contributed in different ways (cash and kind) to ensure that this gala happens.

“To all the swimmers let us make the championship one to remember, let us give it all our support, support each other, and showcase the incredible talent that exists.”

Dolphins head coach Tony Kasujja said the annual event offers an opportunity for swimmers to gauge themselves in a competitive environment.

“The principle behind the cash prizes is intended to drive the swimmers to cut their times and make them better, as they push harder to cut their time,” Kasujja noted.

He said the best individuals in each event will receive a special trophy and a Dolphins Mascot. “Many records have stood the test of time and we want them broken the reason we have introduced cash prizes.”