Uganda Olympic Committee Celebrates 40 Days with Schoolchildren Kampala, Uganda – To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its establishment, the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) embarked on a unique initiative to inspire and engage schoolchildren across the country. The “40 Days with Schoolchildren” program aimed to promote the Olympic spirit and values among the nation’s future leaders. Over a period of 40 days, UOC officials and Olympians visited various schools in different regions of Uganda, hosting interactive sessions, sports clinics, and motivational speeches. Students were treated to presentations on the history of the Olympics, the importance of sportsmanship, and the role of the Olympic Movement in fostering unity and peace. “Our goal with this program was to introduce schoolchildren to the magic of the Olympics and the transformative power of sport,” said William Blick, President of the UOC. “We wanted to ignite their passion for the Olympic ideals and inspire them to strive for excellence both on and off the field.” During the sports clinics, Olympian coaches led students in a variety of physical activities, including basketball, football, and athletics. The Olympians shared their own experiences and encouraged the children to embrace the values of teamwork, perseverance, and fair play. “It was an incredible experience to meet and interact with the schoolchildren,” said Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei, Olympic gold medalist in the men’s 5,000 meters. “Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn were truly inspiring. I hope that our message about the importance of sports and the Olympic spirit will stay with them for a lifetime.” The “40 Days with Schoolchildren” program was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the students and their teachers. Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about the Olympics and interact with Olympians. “This program has been an eye-opening experience for our students,” said Beatrice Byanjeru, a teacher at one of the participating schools. “They have gained a deeper understanding of the Olympic values and how they can apply them in their daily lives.” The Uganda Olympic Committee plans to continue its engagement with schools in the future, recognizing the vital role of sports in youth development and the promotion of a healthy and active society.Uganda Olympic Committee Celebrates 40 Days of Sports with Schoolchildren The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) is celebrating the successful conclusion of its 40 Days of Sports program, an initiative aimed at promoting physical activity and sportsmanship among schoolchildren. The program, which began on October 1st, 2023, engaged over 5,000 students from 20 primary and secondary schools across the country. Throughout the 40 days, students were introduced to a variety of sports, including athletics, football, basketball, netball, and handball. They participated in training sessions led by experienced coaches and Olympians, who shared their knowledge and techniques. The program also emphasized the importance of fair play, teamwork, and discipline. The culmination of the program was a grand finale event held at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. The event featured exhibitions, demonstrations, and competitions, showcasing the skills and enthusiasm of the participating students. Guest of honor, the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, commended the UOC for its dedication to youth development and pledged the government’s continued support for sports initiatives. The 40 Days of Sports program has been widely praised for its positive impact on the participating schools. Teachers and students alike have reported increased levels of physical activity, improved teamwork, and a greater appreciation for sportsmanship. “This program has transformed our school,” said Rose Nanyonga, a teacher at Kisugu Primary School. “Our students are now more active, more confident, and have developed a passion for sports.” The UOC President, William Blick, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the program. “We are thrilled with the success of the 40 Days of Sports,” he said. “It has exceeded our expectations and has left a lasting legacy in these schools. We are committed to continuing this program and expanding its reach to even more children in the future.”