Athletes going to represent Uganda at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games hope to come back with medals. The athletes promised to do their best and make their country proud. The athletes said this at a breakfast organized by MTN Uganda on Tuesday morning.
“I am going to defend the medal I won in 2014 and also do better,” said Winnie Nanyondo, the 2014 800m Bronze Medalist at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Uganda will have a team of about 15 athletes, participating in sprints, the steeplechase, and long distance races. The Ugandan athletics consists of among others Winnie Nanyondo, Halima Nakaayi, Juliet Chekwel, Thomas Ayeko, Stella Chessang, Nanziri Emily, Albert Chemutai, Philip Kipyeko, Mercyline Chelangat and Joshua Cheptegei. MTN Uganda hosted some of the athletes to breakfast before their planned departure to Gold Coast Australia via Dubai on Tuesday afternoon.
“I have confidence that the athletes will do well, considering the training they have been undergoing for the last one and half months. While in the camp, we have been working as a team and we believe there is still an opportunity for growth and success,” explains Anne Edatu, the executive representative for the North East at the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF).
Her explanation was further backed by team coach Narris Bugingo, who noted that the team was fit and that they were ready to show the world “what they were about.”
MTN Uganda through its sponsorship of several UAF calendar activities hosted the athletes as part of the send-off. According to Valery Okecho, the Corporate Communications Manager at MTN Uganda, the partnership with UAF has been ongoing for the last 14 years, with the highlight being the annual MTN Kampala Marathon.
“We wish you well in Australia and we hope for medals. We are backing you 100%. You are on the world stage and this is an opportunity for you to shine. We do hope that these games translate into your personal success,” Okecho told the athletes.
MTN Uganda is a proud supporter of sports in Uganda. The athletics calendar is now largely sponsored by MTN Uganda, which has helped UAF identify talent and organize events around the country. In 2018, UAF will be able to organize the Eastern, Northern and Western road races to help discover talent. These regional races will take place before the November MTN Kampala Marathon.
The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games are expected to start on Wednesday 4th April 2018 with an opening ceremony.
Some comments from some of the athletes:
Juliet Chekwel (10,000m) – I promise to do my best and believe that we shall come back with medals.
Thomas Ayeko (Marathon) – We should continue to work as a team and come back with something for our country.
Philip Kipyeko (5000m) – We are praying that we can come back with medals.
Mercyline Chelangat (10,000m) – We have worked hard and now praying that we work as a team in order to return with some medals.
Halima Nakaayi (400m) – I have prepared well for these games and I am now prepared to compete and win.
