In a landmark development, the Uganda Secondary School Sports Association (USSSA) convened a strategic meeting with the Mind Games Association of Uganda. This groundbreaking onboarding marks a significant shift in Ugandan school sports, focusing on introducing mind games into the Schools’ Sports.
Ms. Apolot Harriet (USSSA 3RD Vice President):
Ms. Apolot Harriet, USSSA’s 3RD Vice President, kicked off the event by highlighting the association’s prior preparations for this momentous venture. She revealed that USSSA had already designated a delegate for mind games before the games were fully established. Their patience has paid off, as the time has finally come for discussions, idea-sharing, and the charting of a course for these innovative sports.
“We are thrilled to have included these games in the roster of secondary school sports associations. This initiative extends beyond secondary schools and aims to encompass primary and secondary school sports associations, thereby transforming the educational landscape,” stated Ms. Apolot Harriet.
Ms. Apolot Harriet expressed her excitement about the discussions held during the meeting. The USSSA is eager to learn from the President and all participants, who are expected to provide invaluable insights that will shape the future of mind games in Ugandan schools. Plans are already in motion, with USSSA aiming to kickstart these games next year, pending the gathering of outcomes and recommendations from this historic meeting.
Upon launch, these games will become an integral part of the USSSA calendar, allowing for efficient scheduling and coordination. All relevant information will be communicated transparently, and terms and conditions will be established to ensure smooth integration into the educational system.
Hajj Lwembawo Hussein (USSSA EXCOM Member):
Hajj Lwembawo Hussein, a USSSA EXCOM Member tasked with overseeing the growth and development of mind games within USSSA, shared his journey and experiences. He acknowledged the challenges posed by some of the games’ unique names and rules but emphasized their eagerness to learn and adapt.
Hussein highlighted the critical need for early sports development, stating, “We have devised a program to introduce these games across all our schools. It has become clear that one reason our national teams struggle in physical sports is that we often start training too late.”
The program aims to promote sports at an earlier stage, ensuring that children have a strong foundation by the age of 13, enabling them to progress to more advanced training and, ultimately, national teams.
Doctor Dan Isabirye (President of Mind Games Association of Uganda):
Dr. Dan Isabirye, President of the Mind Games Association of Uganda, emphasized the significance of the partnership and the promising future it holds. He highlighted USSSA members’ enthusiasm and commitment to integrating mind games into secondary schools. Their previous success in introducing activities like dance sports and woodball into school curriculums has set a promising precedent.
Dr. Dan Isabirye, Expressed his optimism for the partnership by stating, “This collaboration opens up exciting opportunities for the future of mind sports in Uganda and the broader East African region.”
Dr. Isabirye outlined a comprehensive approach that includes online and physical training and addressing potential challenges. He also noted the exciting prospect of expanding these games to the regional level, given that the President of USSSA also holds the position of President at the East African Association.
The collaboration isn’t limited to secondary schools; the Mind Games Association is exploring partnerships with primary schools, supported by USSSA’s commitment to expanding these sports into primary education.
The list of mind games slated for introduction is extensive and diverse, promising a bright future for mind sports in Uganda. Chess, various Draughts variants, Morabaraba, Xhangi Qi(Siangi), Duplicate Bridge, Ludo, Omweso, Scrabble, Owale, Draughts, and Go are among the twelve games proposed for integration into the curriculum.
This partnership signifies a monumental transformation in Ugandan school sports, offering students the chance to cultivate strategic and intellectual skills while fostering healthy competition and camaraderie. The future of mind sports in Uganda looks incredibly promising, with USSSA and the Mind Games Association taking the lead in this exciting journey.
