USSSA Teso Zone introduces mind games in 2025 Regional Ball Games II
The announcement was made during a USSSA Teso zonal executive meeting chaired by John Robert Osuu, the zonal chairperson.
Schoool children play scrabble. PHOTO: Gabriel Esiku
By Gabriel Esiku
Journalists @New Vision
In a groundbreaking move aimed at identifying and nurturing diverse talents among students in the Teso sub-region, the USSSA Teso Zone will, for the first time, include mind games as a competitive sport during the 2025 Ball Games II Regional Championship in Kaberamaido District.
The announcement was made during a USSSA Teso zonal executive meeting chaired by John Robert Osuu, the zonal chairperson. The committee agreed to introduce Scrabble, Ludo, and Chess as official disciplines in the regional qualifiers, scheduled to take place from June 26 to 30 at Kaberamaido Secondary School.
“For the first time in the history of the Teso Zonal Games, both boys and girls will compete in these mental sports, marking a significant step in expanding the diversity and inclusiveness of the tournament,” said Osuu.
He emphasized that this bold and progressive initiative recognizes the growing interest and talent in mind sports across the region, offering young athletes new opportunities to showcase their skills on a national platform.
Mind games will be featured alongside other sporting disciplines such as Beach Volleyball, Beach Football, U-16 Football, Netball, Volleyball, Handball, Dance Sport, Basketball, and Athletics.
Peter Okwii, General Secretary of the Teso Zone, expressed his excitement:
“It’s a historic moment. Our learners will now have the opportunity to showcase their talents in mind games. This initiative not only enhances secondary school sports but also aims to extend into primary school competitions.”
Charles Peter Opolot, games teacher at Soroti SS, applauded the regional leadership for making sports more inclusive:
“Including mind games in the existing disciplines gives students a chance to develop strategic and intellectual skills while fostering healthy competition.”
Dr. Dan Isabirye, President of the Mind Games Association of Uganda, highlighted the significance of the partnership and the promising future it holds. He praised USSSA’s commitment to integrating mind games into school sports, noting their previous success in introducing activities like dance sport and woodball into school curriculums.
Kaberamaido Secondary School, the host of this prestigious zonal event, has intensified its preparations. Zonal officials are scheduled to conduct a final inspection of the venue on June 13, 2025.