BULOBA, Wakiso – The third edition of the Dragon Boat Festival Organised by the China Africa Friendship Association of Uganda(CAFAU) aimed at creating a mutual relationship between Uganda and China through sports tourism has thrilled partiers.
It had Seven teams from both countries comprised of course five Ugandan and the two Chinese teams participating in several activities/
Besides the dragon boat race, activities ranged from athletics (200metres) to 3 Kite Flying competition and the dragon boat race with Ebenezer Junior and Senior that emerged winners, Xsabo Power, Eagle and Dragon flying Squad.
Mr. Vincent Musubire, External Relations CAFAU,
“Today is a very joyous moment that started way back in 2017 with the maiden festival, and we are celebrating steady progress. This (dragon boat festival) is a Chinese sport that was adopted and moving this far has been an avenue of collaboration between Uganda and China. It is three years down the road and we are looking forward to making it to an international level.
He further noted;
“We are going to start the seasons and spread the sport to other parts of the country and make it a professional game known, fun, and enjoyable to everyone.”
Mr. Benon Mugarura Chairman, CAFAU said:
”It was formed to create the relationship between the countries in areas such as tourism, games among others, and this is a win-win situation because participation makes us close to each other through sports, culture, and tourism and it has yielded many benefits like employment, trade and Infrastructure development”.
He delightful added:
“We have so much to learn from China in areas such as Industrialisation, trade and others. I thank the Vice President, H.E. Edward Ssekandi who has created the environment to make this possible and the Chinese Ambassador who has supported all our strategic objectives that have created our shared goals”.
H.E. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Vice President and the guest of honour said;
“We hope to see Uganda become a dragon boat sports hub in the region and Africa at large, and I call upon the Ministry of Education and Sports to come and support this annual event.
I appeal to partners both corporate and individuals to work with us so that we can ably take part in Olympic games”.
He further added ;
” All the local participating teams will receive UGX 1M to help them boost their capacity .”
Ms.Lin Yi, Vice President, China People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries said;
” I really thank the partners that contributed immensely to this not forgetting the Chinese teams that travelled all the way from China to participate in this, and hope this event will become one of the most sought-for activities in the country that gathers all people from different walks of life to learn, have fun with their families, enjoy plenty of food, drinks and great music”.
RESULTS.
1. Jianghan University, China (Winners)
2. Changsha City Dragon boat team, China ( First runners-up)
3.Nalubaale, Uganda (Second runners- up)
4.Twekembe, Mayuge, Uganda
5. Garuga, Uganda
6.Entebbe Municipal, Uganda
7. A1 Beach, Jinja, Uganda
The evening ascended on a high note with dances from various kids, comedy from Bikukuju, Senga Sebbanga, Mc Mariachi and Fresh Kid who lightened up the day with spectacular performances that brought a lot of excitement in the crowd.
