Uganda skateboarding challenged to target 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Uganda's skateboarding fraternity has been urged to organize itself and work towards securing qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, with officials expressing confidence that the country has the potential to compete on the world's biggest sporting stage.

The call was made by Nia Damany, a Fulbright Scholar at the American Center in Kampala, during a one-day skateboarding workshop held at the center's headquarters in Kabalagala on Monday.

The workshop brought together American and Ugandan stakeholders to exchange ideas on the development of skateboarding, promote the sport to a wider audience, and discuss strategies for its growth ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

It was also geared to the focus of the American attitude, the country's involvement into sports dubbed 'Freedom 250'.

"The future intention is for Ugandans to collaborate in growing the skateboarding movement in the country and encourage more investment in urban sports. I hope this vision will become a reality as more stories are told about Uganda's talented athletes, leading to greater global recognition and exposure on the road to the Los Angeles Olympics," Damany said.

Uganda Skate Federation (USF) president Moses Ddungu assured stakeholders that the federation's primary focus is to qualify athletes for the Los Angeles Olympics and that it is awaiting the qualification roadmap from World Skate. "Uganda is already recognized by World Skate because of our ability to produce highly competitive athletes despite having inadequate infrastructure. Whenever we get the opportunity to compete internationally, our athletes perform well," Ddungu said.

He urged all clubs to intensify training and talent development ahead of the forthcoming national championships. "All clubs should strengthen their training program and groom competitive athletes as we prepare for the national championships," he added.

Ddungu said the growth of skateboarding in Uganda will require support from the government through the construction of public skating facilities, increased involvement of community leaders and schools in youth development, and greater exposure through international competitions.

"In return, Uganda will benefit from international recognition, medal prospects, scholarships for athletes, employment opportunities, and reduced youth crime through greater participation in sport," he noted.

Managers of various skateboarding parks also shared ideas on the pathway to developing the sport while highlighting the challenges they continue to face.

Kitintale Skate Park proprietor and Uganda Skateboard Union chairman Jackson Mubiru cited the high cost of skateboarding equipment as one of the biggest obstacles, noting that local production of skateboards remains difficult despite the fraternity's desire to manufacture them in Uganda.

"However, I remain optimistic about the future of skateboarding, which I introduced to Uganda in 2005 after gaining experience in South Africa. Skateboarding originated in California in the 1960s, and I believe Uganda will one day qualify for the Olympic Games," Mubiru said.

Climate Skaters proprietor at Kitezi in Wakiso, Cynthia Kemigisha called for increased government and public investment in the sport while advocating for greater participation of girls and women in both skateboarding and its administration.

Other clubs represented at the workshop included Mukono Skate Park, Gulu Skate Park, Skate and Grind, Kampala Skaters Initiative, Little Smiles, and the Uganda Skateboard Society.