The government of Uganda through National council of sports (NCS) has pledged maximum support to the organisation of the 2nd World Beach Woodball Championship due May 25-31 at Spenah beach, Entebbe.
According to Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, the NCS Ag. Secretary General, they will offer necessary budget support as per government quarterly releases.
“We may not talk figures now but we shall support the organisation in every way possible. We shall first look at the budget and pick out the priorities. Of course our national team preparation is one priority area we shall take on among others,” noted Ogwel during the launch of the event on Tuesday at NCS, Lugogo.
The launch was graced by NCS Board chairman John Bosco Onyik as guest of honor, Ndejje University Vice Chancellor Prof. Eriabu Lugujjo as well as Chinese deputy ambassador to Uganda H.E Chen Huixin among other guests.
“Woodball is a young sport having originated from China in 1990 and is into the second decade in Uganda and I am happy for its growth. Uganda has become a hub of woodball already. Our support may not be much, but we are with you and I look forward to a successful event,” noted Huixin.
Guest of honor Onyik said that hosting this event is a great milestone to the history of sports development in Uganda and Africa as a whole.
Onyik led Ugandan team to the 2018 Woodball World Cup in Thailand where they finished second overall. Uganda woodball federation President Paul Mark Kayongo revealed that about Shs1bn is needed to stage a very successful event.
“This will be the first time to host a World Cup for a single sport in Uganda and we look forward to a successful event. We need Shs1bn and just as government has pledged maximum support, we also want to thank the Chinese embassy and Ndejje University, who are also our partners.
I call upon other well-wishers to come and join the organisation,” noted Kayongo. Uganda took part in the first Woodball beach world cup in Indonesia and current national team coach Onesmus Atamba scooped a Gold medal of the total 25 medals won.
So far, seven countries have confirmed participation including; hosts Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, South Korea, Burundi, Zimbabwe and Chinese Taipei. The deadline for confirmation is May 5 and more countries are expected to take part.
