The game of squash is gradually gaining ground in Northern Uganda, following a three-day capacity-building clinic organised by the Uganda Squash and Rackets Association.
Held from October 7 to 9 at Awach Primary School in Gulu District, the training attracted more than 150 participants, including games teachers, community club members and district sports officers from 14 districts.
The participating districts included Gulu, Lira, Terego, Yumbe, Zombo, Oyam, Pader, Nebbi and Koboko, among others.
The initiative is aimed at equipping local sports personnel with the knowledge and practical skills needed to introduce squash to more schools and communities, in line with the association’s broader development agenda.
President, Uganda Squash and Rackets Association
“These are the people who are going to help us train the new recruits into the game of squash, and we have conducted a successful training.”
The association says the Gulu clinic is part of a wider strategy to extend squash beyond established sporting centres and establish a stronger presence in all five regions of Uganda.
USRA President Issa Bbaale Sseremba says the association is committed to supporting emerging clubs and equipping more people with the skills needed to grow the sport at the grassroots.
President, Uganda Squash and Rackets Association
“As Uganda Squash and Rackets Association, we’re committing to spreading the gospel of squash to all our five regions. We are also committing to supporting these clubs that have formed up.”
For the trainees, the clinic provided an opportunity to acquire new sporting skills that they intend to pass on to learners and fellow community members.
Achola Jane, a teacher at Afoyo Primary School in Lamwo District, says she plans to begin by training fellow teachers before introducing the game to pupils at her school.
Teacher, Afoyo Primary School, Lamwo District
“Squash is a very good game. I learnt a lot; it is very interesting, and when I go back to my school, I will teach them, starting with my fellow teachers before rolling it out to the students.”
Gulu District Sports Officer Ojara Sunday Blackstone welcomed the initiative, noting that training local personnel would strengthen grassroots talent identification and development.
He urged the participants to put their newly acquired skills to use by introducing squash in their respective districts and helping more people learn the game.
“I am very honoured to have Uganda Squash in Gulu. As a sports officer, identification, development and promotion of talents lie in our hands, and tapping them from the grassroots is not very easy.”
“But the coming of the association here in Gulu, training the team to help in delivering information to other members, has made my work very easy.”
Ojara says he intends to strengthen sports activities in schools across Gulu District, while encouraging the trained participants to ensure that the knowledge gained translates into practical action.
The association believes that empowering teachers, community clubs and district sports personnel will create more opportunities for young people to discover and develop their sporting talents.
The three-day clinic concluded with celebrations marking World Squash Day on October 10, bringing members of the squash fraternity together to promote the sport.
With more than 150 participants trained across 14 districts, the Uganda Squash and Rackets Association hopes the initiative will lay the foundation for a wider grassroots squash network across Northern Uganda and beyond.
