Uganda Open Para Powerlifting Championship Officially Launched
The Dream Achievers Foundation Uganda Limited in conjunction with Uganda Paralympic Committee and Munno Media Limited organized the maiden Open Para Powerlifting tournament, that’s slated to take place in April.
The first of it’s kind event that brings together the able and disabled athletes to compete in one event has been launched today, Wednesday, 22nd February 2023 at Lugogo Sports Complex.
The Championship that is expected to attract 100 athletes is slated for 9th April 2023 at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
According to organizers, 60 will be disabled and 40 abled but the event is mainly for para powerlifters but also abled powerlifters can take part as a boosting campaign though they will not be scoring points.
“Why we wanted the abled to play with the disabled, we wanted to help the abled to add Quality to the disabled, and another thing, working together as a community is good, most gyms don’t work with the disabled, but when they find out that they can work together with the disabled, the gyms can include them because this is an inclusive sport.” Said Innocent Tumwesigye, General Secretary Uganda Paralympics Committee.
“The plan is to make this event annual. By doing so, it will help to keep athletes engaged and fit hence ultimately helping them to prepare for international events.” He added.
Salafu Tamale, one of the decorated para powerlifter in Uganda was also in attendance and thanked the organizers to bring such events to Uganda.
Bishop Isaiah Rich, the Chairman of the board of Munno Media Limited, asserted that they came to support the cause because there are many talented disabled athletes who didn’t get chance to expose their talent and yet this platform can help.
“We have came to spot and identify talents and showcase to the public, so we do encourage talented people out there in the communities to come and participate.” He said.
National Council of Sports was represented by Madam Chelangat Sarah who also welcomed the initiative.
The organizers have a plan of making this Championship an international event and they are persuading World Para-powerlifting to include it on their calendar such that athletes from different countries can take part in it.
Athletes will be able to get rewards in form of cash, equipment, certificates as an appreciation for their performance.