Uganda Pickleball Association: Growing the Sport Nationwide and Building Talent
The Uganda Pickleball Association is making waves in the sports scene as they embark on a mission to grow the sport nationwide. With a focus on recognition and talent development, the association recently hosted the first-ever Independence Pickleball Tournament in Kampala.
The tournament, held on Uganda’s Independence Day at Makerere University’s main grounds, saw over 50 participants competing across various categories. This event marked a significant milestone for pickleball in Uganda, a sport that is still relatively new to many in the country.
Fred Oija, a key organizer of the tournament, expressed optimism about the future of pickleball in Uganda. He stressed the importance of national recognition and the need to introduce the sport to all corners of the country. Oija highlighted plans to organize tournaments in every district to give more people the opportunity to play and discover new talent from different regions.
Looking ahead, the Uganda Pickleball Association aims to expand the sport to various districts and regions, building a national network of players and coaches. This strategic approach will help tap into Uganda’s athletic talent pool and create a competitive environment that could potentially lead to international pickleball participation.
With a focus on youth programs and continued support, the association hopes to see pickleball become a recognized sport within Uganda’s athletic framework. As they look forward to introducing the sport to schools and communities beyond Kampala, the Uganda Pickleball Association is excited to witness the enthusiasm and talent that pickleball will ignite across the country.