ANOCA School Games 2025: Over 80 Flagged to Algeria for Inaugural Championship
By: Kayiira Jackson
A contingent of 88 has been flagged off to Algeria for the Inaugural Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa [ANOCA] School games scheduled to be hosted between 26th July and 5th August, 2025.
Uganda is taking eight sports disciplines; Football, Swimming, badminton, beach soccer, table tennis, tennis, Athletics and basketball 3×3.
The athletes to participate in this Inaugural championships are coming from; Buddo SS, Seroma Christian High School, Gayaza High School, Ngora High School, Kibuli SS, British School of Kampala and Green Hill Academy.
The flag off was held on Monday at Cooper Chimney – Lugogo and National Council of Sports General Secretary, Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel had the chief guest honor at the event that had dignitaries from NCS and Uganda Olympic Committee was represented by the Assistant general Secretary – Lydia Dhamuzungu who asked players to go and compete because the tournament can help them to qualify for the Youth Olympics in Dakar Senegal come 2026.
“These are not just games for participating but competition and top performers will have a chance to participate at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar Senegal, 2026.”Lydia Dhamuzungu, Asst. General Secretary Uganda Olympic Committee.
Dr. Bernard Ogwel officially flagged off the team and asked the participants to focus on Olympics 2028 in Los Angeles because the prize for a medal in Olympics, a least an athlete can leave with is a UGx30M according to the new sports act 2023.
“The foundation we’re laying now should propel us to have athletes representing Uganda at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.” Said Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwel while giving a speech at the flag off. “With the new sports act, an athlete to win a gold medal in Olympics, he or she receives 100m from the government, 50m for a silver and 30M for a bronze medal, so you need to go with a focus.” He added.
“Let’s be good ambassadors and showcase the best of our country.” He encouraged the contingent.
Patrick Alfred Okanya, President Emeritus USSSA, and the leader of delegation pledged to players to fly the flag high once they’re in Algeria.
“We want to pledge that we will fly the Uganda flag high. We would like to appreciate the government, schools, and parents for the sponsorship and support.”
The championship will be hosted in four cities; Annaba, Constantine Setif and Skikda.
The team will depart in three batches, the first one departing on Tuesday morning boarding Turkish Airlines, the rest will follow with Egypt Air and Qutar.