Ugandan rowers and para-rowers welcome equipment from Fisa
UOC President William Blick (right) and Uganda Paralympics Committee boss Bumali Mpindi test the ergometer. PhOto by I. Kezaala
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Meanwhile, local rowers got a feel of the new equipment last weekend during the ergo competitions at Miami Beach, Luzira.
KAMPALA- Ugandan rowers and para-rowers were given a boost ahead of September’s Olympic Qualifiers in France after Fisa (International Rowing Federation) donated eight competition oars and two ergometers to them.
According to Uganda Rowing Federation (URF) president Hamza Kahwa, the equipment that is pertinent to preparations ahead of the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil cost an estimated Shs17m, met by Fisa through development manager Sheila Stephens.
“These are small hand grip oars made from fibre unlike the plastic ones we had; they are lighter and easier to manipulate,” rower Gerald Ssemambo said of the oars that cost Euros800 (Shs2.6m) per pair.
“It is now up to us to intensify training and the federation to ensure we compete regularly in preparation for Rio 2016.” Meanwhile, local rowers got a feel of the new equipment last weekend during the ergo competitions at Miami Beach, Luzira.
The ergo competitions are part of selection criteria for the Crash B Indoor Competition in USA on March 1.
The adaptives too, are training at Miami Beach, Luzira ahead of the May 7-17 para-rowers’ camp in Italy.
“Seven adaptives (five athletes and two coaches) will go for this camp. We believe this equipment is pertinent for our preparations ahead of this event and the Olympic qualifiers,” Nuwa Ssewankambo, an adaptives’ coach said.
