Bushenyi names squad for National Kids Athletics Championships in Kabale

The Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipal local government has selected a 20-member team to compete in this year's National Primary Kids' Athletics Championships, scheduled for May 4-14 in Kabale.

The squad, featuring athletes in both track and field events, was finalized following Thursday's municipal trials at Bushenyi Main Grounds. The competition saw young athletes from Nyakabirizi, Central, and Ishaka divisions vie for spots on the team.

Defending champions Central Division retained their title with 311 points, while Ishaka (173 points) and Nyakabirizi (233 points) finished second and third respectively.

The event, overseen by Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) official Apollo Musherure, featured a standout moment when 13-year-old Annitah Akankwasa of Nyakabirizi discarded her blouse mid-race to run bare-chested, ultimately securing second place in the 1500m event.

"Many young athletes in Western Uganda struggle with shyness, particularly adolescent girls," Musherure observed. "But this remarkable girl demonstrated exceptional courage and determination. I'm contributing 50,000 shillings for her running kit."

Municipal Education Officer Dan Mugyenyi confirmed the selected team will undergo intensive training ahead of the national event. To enhance preparation, officials have enlisted national coach Gordon Ahimbisibwe to work with the athletes during their week-long training camp.

Kabale Municipal Grounds will host the 10-day championship, which is expected to feature teams from all 178 local governments across Uganda, including Special Needs Education (SNE) athletes.