Over 200 players from primary and secondary schools across the country are expected to vie for honours at the inaugural Future Stars-SAU National Schools Scrabble Championship at Gayaza Junior School on Saturday, with the prime goal of qualifying for the World Youth Scrabble Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, in August.
The national championship will be the first step in Uganda’s journey to Nairobi, with the country’s best young scrabble talents targeting slots at world championship, where they will gauge their wit against leading youths from across the globe.
The championship is organised by the Future Stars Sports Programme in partnership with the Scrabble Association of Uganda (SAU). Future Stars is a talent development initiative committed to discovering, nurturing, and developing young Ugandans in different sporting disciplines. The programme seeks to create opportunities for talented youngsters to develop their skills and pursue excellence through organised competitions.
Organisers see the championship as a platform that could boost the growth of scrabble at school level while creating a pathway for young players to compete on the international stage as they get tested in vocabulary, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.
During the tournament’s launch at Gayaza Junior on Monday, SAU technical vice president, Godwin Murungi, said the event comes at an opportune time for the sport’s development in the country.
In addition to the hosts, Kiira College Butiki, Bishop’s Secondary School, Standard High School, Seroma Christian High School, Good Times Junior School, and St. Catherine Junior School, among others, had confirmed participation by press time.
“Our objective is to provide an environment where students can perform at their best. We have put in place the necessary facilities, equipment, and logistical support to ensure a smooth championship,” said Gayaza Junior’s head of sports and games, Daniel Kasawuli, ahead of this potentially memorable event.
The hosts will also ensure strict adherence to Ebola prevention guidelines as required by the Ministry of Health.
BRIEFLY
What: Future Stars-SAU National Schools Scrabble Championship
Where: Gayaza Junior School
When: Saturday, June 27
Why: slots at World Championship