The 2nd edition of the African Beach Games set to be held in Hammamet, Tunisia from the 23rd to 30th June, this year will witness fierce competition as teams vie for limited spots available for the ANOC World Beach Games qualifiers in Bali, Indonesia.
Among the participants is Uganda’s Women National Handball team which has been in camp at Ndejje University’s main campus in Luwero, since May 14th, under coaches George Isabirye and Ismail Bazanye.
Starting June 11th to 21st, the twenty woman team will be cut down to the final ten, who will then be monitored under residential training as they prepare to set off on the 22nd of this month.
To compete with at this continental championship will be handball power houses like Tunisia, Kenya, Mali, and Algeria.
With only four slots available for the ANOC World Beach Games qualifiers, the stakes are high but Isma Bazanye is confident the team will secure a ticket and make their mark on the international stage.
“We are training on weekends as of now, but soon the team will get into a residential camp. The girls are in good health and are fit not only to represent but also compete at the Africa Beach Games.” Bazanye affirmed.
During a media briefing this morning at the Federation headquarters Sheila Agonzibwa Richardson, President of the Uganda Handball Federation and Head of Delegation, extended her gratitude to all supporters of Ugandan handball and emphasized the importance of collective effort in enabling the team’s success and ensuring their representation at the world stage.
“We are excited as Uganda Handball Federation, and very privileged to have this very rare chance of setting out for international tournaments. It is going to be the first time for Uganda to have a team in an African women’s beach handball tournament and it will even be bigger if we qualify for the World Games.”
“The team is in preparations and we are grateful to Ndejje University for this gesture, because it is not easy to find someone who can accommodate you in such hard times.” She added.
The team however is short on funds to finance the trip and the President revealed that the federation is reaching out to partners, sponsors, sports fans, and the public for financial support to raise the estimated forty two million shillings.
The funds if raised, will cover preparation expenses, acquire appropriate attire and branding for the team, and also facilitate them while at the tournament.
The team in non residential camp includes Ndejje’s duo of Achola Lilian and Bako Shakira, Aitasi Everylne of Kawanda SS, Katusime Oliver from Victoria University, Nakajja Fauzia from Nkajja Handball Club among others.
Full team:
Achola Lilian, Bako Shakira, Aitasi Everylne, Katusime Oliver, Nakajja Fauzia ,Abangiti Hilda, Namajja Aisha, Nakiyingi Proscovia, Ondoa Doreen, Abiria Kulusum, Adyeru Esther, Mutesi Nasimu, Lamunu Scovia, Adokochi Brenda, Anyait Winnie Florence, Nyakaisiki Rachael, AyoChani Annet, Nampijja Lilian, Tiperu Diana, and Tusiime Pretty.
