Girls: British School of Kampala Claims Victory with 434 Points
Boys: Aga Khan High School Leads with 390 Points
Overall Combined Excellence: Green Hill Academy Triumphs with 867 Points
The highly anticipated 2nd edition of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Swimming Championship unfolded triumphantly at the Green Hill Academy swimming pool on a sunny Saturday, August 5, 2023.
This day-long gala witnessed a remarkable gathering of over 200 skilled swimmers from diverse schools, showcasing their prowess and camaraderie.
“As the clock struck 8 AM, the swimmers dove into action, conquering the various challenging strokes including backstroke, freestyle, breaststroke, and medley relays,” recounted event organizer Sarah Nakayima.
In an impressive display of talent and teamwork, the Girls’ category witnessed a spirited competition, ultimately led by the British School of Kampala, who secured a commanding 434 points. This achievement propelled them to a well-deserved victory over the field of a dozen competing teams. Notably, the host institution, Green Hill Academy, secured a commendable second place with 412 points, while Elite High School, Entebbe, showcased their mettle with 298 points.
The team captain of British School of Kampala, Abigail Mwagale, attributed their success to an unwavering collective effort, stating, “We stood as one cohesive unit, diligently training and giving our absolute best to secure this championship. Our sights are now set on the upcoming FEASSSA event,” she affirmed confidently.
Abigail and Nyanzi after lifting trophies for their respective schools
In the Boys’ category, Aga Khan High School emerged as triumphant champions with a score of 390 points. Their exceptional performance demonstrated the results of dedicated training and strong team synergy. Green Hill Academy and Seeta Green Campus secured the second and third positions, respectively, with scores of 381 and 291 points.
“The willpower to excel in this USSSA Swimming gala was developed right from the numerous swimming drills we held. The chemistry built pushed us to this victory,” explained Aga Khan team captain Tebi Nyanzi.
Notably, the combined team scores showcased Green Hill Academy’s dominance as they clinched the top spot with an impressive 867 points. Aga Khan High School secured the second position with 719 points, closely followed by the British School of Kampala at 682 points.
The event bore witness to an enthusiastic and supportive gallery, comprising Government officials, USSSA officials, games teachers, and parents, all cheering fervently for the swimmers from the first stroke to the final lap.
“The USSSA swimming gala is the last event on our calendar and it progressed well. I thank the swimmers, schools and the hosts for the effort done to have a successful event that prepares us for the forthcoming FEASSSA games in Huye city, Rwanda,” acknowledged Chris Mugisha Banage, the Chief Executive Officer at USSSA.
USSSA CEO delivering his speech
Chris Mugisha Banage extended his heartfelt appreciation to the participating schools, dedicated swimmers, and the gracious host, Green Hill Academy. He commended the resounding success of the championship, which marked the culmination of the domestic USSSA calendar, including notable events such as Ball Games 1, Boys’ Football, and Ball Games 2.
Mugisha acknowledged the pivotal role of the USSSA swimming gala in preparing the teams for the forthcoming FEASSSA Games in Huye City, Rwanda. He further expressed his gratitude to Rev Canon Duncans Mugumya the Commissioner Physical Education and Sports(Ministry of Education and Sports), the esteemed chief guest, for his presence and unwavering support. Rev Canon Mugumya, in turn, lauded USSSA’s strategic efforts in fostering sports competitions among schools, highlighting the exceptional facilities, such as Green Hill Academy’s swimming pool.
L-R; Chris Mugisha, Rev. Dr. Duncans Mugumya and Nyanzi
“I thank all the participants in this swimming gala as we prepare for the FEASSSA Games in Rwanda. In the recent past, we witnessed teams from Uganda overcome the known world superstars from England, France, Germany, Chile and others. This shows a step ahead in our development path,” Rev. Canon Mugumya remarked.
Rev. Dr. Duncans Mugumya while addressing the crowd
As the USSSA swimming gala concluded on this triumphant note, the spotlight shifted to the imminent FEASSSA Games scheduled from August 17th to 27th, 2023. The event will see the participation of a select group of 30 exceptional swimmers (15 from each gender) representing Team Uganda, showcasing the nation’s unwavering commitment to athletic excellence on the international stage.
