Dolphins Swim Club Para swimmer Husnah Kukundakwe was on Monday flagged off by National council of sports (NCS) Head of Corporate affairs Ismail Dhakaba Kingongo to the World Para Swimming World Series due May 10-12 in Singapore.
The competition will also double as a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Born to Batamuriza Hashima and Ahmed Asiimwe, Kukundakwe will be the only Ugandan swimmer at the Singapore Para meet –after a long hustle for sponsorship.
“‘I am glad to represent my country and to take part in this championship that presents a big opportunity for me to qualify for 2020 Olympics,” noted Kukundakwe, who was accompanied by her mother to the competition.
The 12-year old says that despite financial hiccups, she is optimistic of putting up a memorable performance to defy odds and attain her Olympic dream.
“Qualifying for the Olympic Games is every athlete’s dream and that is exactly my target,” she added. Dolphins Swim Club Coach Paul Bampata is confident that Kukundakwe will put up a good show. “She is a good swimmer who can one day become an Olympic gold medalist. She has a chance now,” noted Bampata.
Uganda Paralympic Federation Mpindi Bumali urged government to increase funding to Para sports handicapped athletes find it hard to attain sponsorship.
