A free heart screening exercise was held on Sunday, 29th May 2022 during matchday 8 of season 5 of the SMACK (St Mary’s College Kisubi) League held at Legends Grounds in Kampala.
The exercise was conducted by personell from the Uganda Heart Institute and it was part of SMACK League’s Corporate Social Responsibility. Basic heart checks (screening for blood pressure, blood sugars, BMI), plus Cardiac consultations and nutrition education at the match day were held.
Majority of participants and the fans were screened at no cost as the organizers of the league seek to prioritize the health of all those involved, player or not.
Former Uganda Cranes stars also benefited from the exercise and they were screened before they took on the SMACK League select side in the final game of the day. The former won the game 2-0.
Vendors who are the football side representing SMACK class of 1994 to 1999 in the league hosted the matchday 8 of the Sunday showpiece and team Chairman Isaac Ilukor was happy with the heart screening initiative.
“There has been a rise in non communicable diseases so I believe the heart screening exercise is important for all of us,” Ilukor said adding that though the league keeps participants physically fit, knowing their heart status is very important as well but there’s also need to adopt healthy lifestyles.
Ilukor also thanked Uganda Heart Institute for coming on board as well as participants who heeded the call to check their heart status.
Former Uganda Cranes international Abdallah Mubiru who featured for the side that took on the league’s select outfit said that health is key in sport and in life generally so the initiative deserves a thumbs up. He’s also happy with the social aspect of the league.
Powered by Guinness Uganda, the SMACK League brings together former students of Institution together on matchdays.
On Sunday, Lilian and her Sundowners Band brought back the memories of Blu*3 when her groupmate Jackie Chandiru made a surprise appearance. Old Boy Roger Mugisha was the emcee of the evening while DJs Crystal and Aie played tunes that made the old boys reminiscent of the ultimate 1990s party.
MTN MoMo, Gallop Technologies, Riders Lounge, Arua Hill Sports Club and Pivot Media joined Guinness as Match day sponsors.
The league will have 19 matchdays in total and on every outing, 10 games will be played.
Participating teams in Season 5 include; Maama Teo Legends (1997 and below), Bushmen (1993), Vendors (1999), Kiama (2000), Bushmen (2001), Block Owners (2002), Window (2003), Devils (2004), Outcasts (2005), Zimbaz (2006), Alqz (2007), Elite (2008), Zuluz (2009), Tsunamiz (2010), Mafiaz (2011), Pirates (2012), Cyclones (2013), Vikings (2014), Lycans (2015) and Knights (2017).
