Uganda’s future in motocross is bright, according to renowned South African instructor André Dearden. Dearden, who is currently in the country for a training of trainers (TTT) program, has been impressed by the skill and potential of Ugandan riders.
During a week-long training session at Victoria Raceway track in Garuga, Dearden imparted valuable practical skills to riders and highlighted the importance of mental preparation.
He emphasized that with a little more refinement, Ugandan riders could compete at an international level. “Uganda has fast riders but needs a little sharpening in a few areas of riding to match other international riders,” explained André.
The training program, organized by FIM-Africa and Women in Motorcycling (WIM), aims to raise the standards of motocross training in Uganda. Upon completion, participants will receive FIM-licensed trainer certifications, enabling them to continue supporting local riders.
The timing of this training is crucial as Uganda is preparing for two close international participation that include the 2024 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations (MXON) set for 6th October in the UK and the FIM-AFRICA Motocross of African Nations (MXOAN) in Marrakech, Morocco, slated for 25th-27th October 2024 respectively.
What they said
Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMU-UG) deputy vice president of Motorcycling, Arthur Blick Junior, thanked FIM-AFRICA and WIM for their timely offer to Uganda.
Just like her Husband Arthur Blick Jnr, Noella Blick, a rider parent who doubles as the chairperson of WIM Africa, was humbled and honoured by WIM and FIM for the kind gesture extended to Uganda, which is another way of developing Motocross.
Counsel Paul John Musedde, a rider parent to Ethan Musedde, Edrick Musedde and Jude Kyle Musedde applauded the Federation of Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Africa and WIM for extending such a great opportunity to Uganda.
“As parents, we are indeed pleased for the training that has been extended to us, and our rider trainers,” happily intimated Musedde who was one of the parents that attended.
I feel great, having gotten training by world-class Instructor André Dearden. I have learnt a lot from his teaching, confessed Milton Akaki, one of Uganda’s riders for the MXOAN.
FIM Africa has for years conducted similar training programs in other African countries including South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and now East Africa, Kenya and Uganda being the latest beneficiaries.
Courtesy Photos
