The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Ball Games II opened on Thursday, July 11th, 2024, in Soroti City with a call for schools to embrace boys netball.
Sarah Nkonge, a member of the Ugandan Men’s National Netball Team technical staff, highlighted the benefits of boys playing netball, including promoting peacefulness and potentially leading to the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics.
Growing Recognition for Men’s Netball in Uganda
Nkonge’s remarks come amidst a growing national movement for men’s netball in Uganda. Over the past five years, the sport has gained significant traction with the establishment of a league and a national team, The Rock.
USSSA Ball Games Attract Large Participation
The opening ceremony drew a notable audience, including representatives from the National Council of Sports, USSSA President Justus Mugisha, and former She Cranes Manager Jocelyn Uchanda (who also manages the NIC Netball Club).
Notably, Netball is the only single-sex sport among the six disciplines contested at the 2024 Ball Games II (Netball, Volleyball, Basketball 3×3, Handball, Rugby 7s, Athletics, and Cross Country).
Government Efforts Applauded for Supporting Sports Development
Rev. Dr. Canon Duncan Mugumya, Commissioner of Physical Education and Sports, commended the Ugandan government’s commitment to sports development during his address.
“I thank the Government Of Uganda because it has improved funding in our activities to allow these games take place with a large number of athletes participating,” Mugumya who represented the state Minister for sports Hon. Peter Ogwang said.
He highlighted the increased funding for sporting activities, leading to a larger participating athlete pool. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of eliminating non-bona fide players and promoting talent development.
Scouting for Talent: Importance of School Tournaments
NIC Netball Club Manager and aspiring Uganda Netball Federation President, Jocelyn Uchanda, highlighted the significance of attending school tournaments.
She explained how identifying talented players allows teams like NIC to scout and develop future stars for Ugandan netball.
Large-Scale Event with National Implications
The 2024 USSSA Ball Games II boast over 6,000 participants across various girls’ and boys’ disciplines. The event serves as a crucial platform for selecting teams to represent Uganda at the upcoming FEASSA games, joining those who qualified through Ball game I.
The FEASSA games are scheduled for August 16th-28th, 2024, at Bukedea Comprehensive and Amus College.
Courtesy Photos
