UgandaTeam·Uganda is poised to make history at the World Youth Scrabble ChampionshipCompetition·World Youth Scrabble Championship (WYSC) 2026, dispatching its largest-ever youth delegation to the competition. A formidable squad of 18 players, comprising 12 boys and six girls, will represent the nation in NairobiVenue·Nairobi, Kenya, from Friday, August 7, to Sunday, August 9.
The team was officially flagged off by National Council of SportsTeam·National Council of Sports (NCS) Sports Officer Ivan NiwamanyaCoach·Ivan Niwamanya, who underscored the significance of their participation. "We know you have been trained well. Be courageous and stay focused as you compete against the best players in the world. Make the country proud," Niwamanya stated, emphasizing the responsibility resting on the young athletes.
This record-breaking contingent reflects a deliberate long-term strategy by Ugandan scrabble authorities. Edwin MurungiCoach·Edwin Murungi, the head of the Ugandan delegation, confirmed this approach, noting, "Our focus is not only on this championship but also on developing a strong team for the future." This commitment to nurturing young talent aims to build a formidable national team for sustained success on the international stage.
The championship, hosted at the Trade Mark HotelVenue·Trade Mark Hotel in NairobiVenue·Nairobi, will feature competition in both the Under-13 and Under-18 categories, utilizing a Swiss-system round-robin format. National coach Lawrence AnyoinCoach·Lawrence Anyoin expressed confidence in the team's preparations and potential. "We have equipped them with the necessary word strategies and game knowledge. They have improved tremendously and are ready for the challenge," Anyoin affirmed, anticipating a strong performance from his players.
The squad draws talent from various educational institutions, including three players from Gayaza Junior SchoolTeam·Gayaza Junior School, nine from Parental Care Primary SchoolTeam·Parental Care Primary School in Bushenyi, three from Wampewo NtakeTeam·Wampewo Ntake, and three from Good Times KawaalaTeam·Good Times Kawaala. Three players from Gayaza Junior SchoolTeam·Gayaza Junior School bring valuable experience from last year's championship, providing a seasoned core for the team.
Among the brightest medal prospects are newcomers Macrina KwikirizaPlayer·Macrina Kwikiriza, Tracia AtuhairePlayer·Tracia Atuhaire, and team captain Ethan MatsikoPlayer·Ethan Matsiko, all from Parental Care Primary SchoolTeam·Parental Care Primary School. Their impressive performances at the Future Stars National ChampionshipsCompetition·Future Stars National Championships held at Gayaza earlier this year have positioned them as key contenders. Matsiko, optimistic about UgandaTeam·Uganda's chances, declared, "I am determined to return home with a medal."
UgandaTeam·Uganda will compete in both individual and team events throughout the championship. Nelson KyageraCoach·Nelson Kyagera, President of the Scrabble Association of UgandaTeam·Scrabble Association of Uganda, used the occasion to advocate for increased governmental support for junior scrabble development. "We have worked hard as an association to help these players qualify for the championship. We now call upon the government to support these young talents so that the sport can continue to grow," Kyagera appealed, highlighting the need for sustained investment in the sport's grassroots.
This significant participation underscores UgandaTeam·Uganda's ambition to solidify its presence in the global scrabble community, with a clear vision for future development.
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