Uganda to field biggest-ever team for World Youth Scrabble Championship

Uganda is set to field its biggest-ever youth team for the World Youth Scrabble Championship, which will take place from Friday to Sunday at the Trade Mark Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

A team of 18 players, 12 boys and six girls was flagged off by National Council of Sports (NCS) Sports Officer Ivan Niwamanya, who urged the youngsters to represent the country with courage and determination.

"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 said.

Head of delegation Edwin Murungi said Uganda had deliberately selected a youthful squad as part of its long-term plan to build a formidable national team.

Scrabble players pose for a group photo with NCS official Ivan Niwamanya (back right) after being flagged off for the World Youth Championships in Kenya. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka

"Our focus is not only on this championship but also on developing a strong team for the future," Murungi noted.

The team comprises players from Gayaza Junior School (3), Parental Care Primary School in Bushenyi (9), Wampewo Ntake (3), and Good Times Kawaala (3).

National coach Lawrence Anyoin expressed confidence that the team would return home with medals despite facing some of the world's highest-rated junior scrabble players.

"We have equipped them with the necessary word strategies and game knowledge. They have improved tremendously and are ready for the challenge," Anyoin said.

Uganda will compete in the Under-13 and Under-18 categories, with matches beginning in the Swiss-system round-robin format.

Three players from Gayaza Junior School will rely on the experience gained from last year's championship, while newcomers Macrina Kwikiriza, Tracia Atuhaire, and Ethan Matsiko of Parental Care Primary School are among Uganda's brightest medal prospects after impressive performances at the Future Stars National Championships held at Gayaza earlier this year.

Team captain Ethan Matsiko is optimistic about Uganda's chances.

"I am determined to return home with a medal," he said.

Scrabble Association of Uganda President Nelson Kyagera appealed to the government to increase investment in 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 said.

Uganda will compete in both the individual and team events during the championship in Nairobi.