Retired athletes embrace life skills training ahead of Legends Marathon

Retired athletes have welcomed initiatives by the organizers of the Legends Marathon designed to equip them with essential life skills for a fulfilling future beyond sport.

During a one-day entrepreneurship workshop at the Stanbic Bank Business Incubator hub in Kololo, former sportsmen and women were guided on how to live healthier, wealthier, and more productive lives, not only to enjoy the rewards of their sporting careers but also to mentor younger athletes.

The workshop drew more than 40 retired athletes from football, cricket, rugby, athletics, table tennis, basketball, and other disciplines.

Among the notable participants were two-time Commonwealth Games champion Moses Kipsiro, former rugby captain Winnie Atyang, and former cricket captain Davies Karashani.

Discussions focused on financial literacy, building systems for sustainable growth, exploring reliable investment options, and mental health support.

Kipsiro praised the training, noting that many athletes struggled with money management during their active years.

“It was wise. We have been lacking this kind of knowledge. During our prime time, we earned money but many athletes did not know how to invest. When you have cash, many things come your way and you end up wasting it. I have learned the importance of networking with the right people for better investment,” he said.

He also commended the forthcoming Legends Marathon for bringing together athletes from different sports, many of whom had never interacted during their competitive years.

Coach Asaph Mwebaze echoed the sentiment, acknowledging that athletes and coaches often fall into poor investment decisions.

“It’s true athletes and coaches earn money at one time. But many end up in wrong investments,” Mwebaze noted.

Chief organizer Andrew Mwanguhya applauded the strong turnout, emphasizing that participants gained valuable knowledge on investment opportunities.

“It was an amazing event. I thank the Stanbic Bank Incubator for hosting us. Athletes can now invest wisely through bonds, unit trusts, shares, and other avenues, and more importantly, learn how to manage their personal finances,” Mwanguhya said.

Stanbic Business Incubator CEO Catherine Poran expressed her delight at meeting athletes she had long admired and reaffirmed the incubator’s commitment to partnering with the Legends Marathon.

“As athletes, I’m confident that you can apply the discipline you have shown in sport to everything you want to do in life, and succeed,” she said.

The workshop was one of several precursor activities leading up to the 2026 Legends Marathon, scheduled for April 19 in Kampala.