Uganda is banking on a determined three-athlete squad as the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprint Championships get underway today at Browne’s Beach in Bridgetown, Barbados.
The event runs from November 21 to 23 and brings together top beach sprint rowers from across the Commonwealth.
Olympian Kathleen Noble leads the team. A pioneer for Ugandan rowing, she will race in the Women’s Solo and later join 23 year old Elijah Namunyu in the Mixed Double.
Namunyu, one of the sport’s fast-rising talents, will also compete in the Men’s Solo as he continues his steady climb on the international stage.
They are joined by 16-year-old Marcel Otim, one of the youngest competitors at the championships.
He will feature in the Junior Men’s Solo, another key step in Uganda’s push to develop young rowers.
This year’s championships also offer more than competition.
Before racing, athletes and officials took part in a World Rowing Level One Coaching Course, a Technical Official Training Course, and several familiarisation sessions on the Caribbean coast, efforts aimed at raising technical standards and strengthening the sport’s growth.
