Uganda athletes get $6,000 boostBy THE MONITOR | Monday, June 25   2012 at  16:39

Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) has received $6,000 from the country's athletics committee.

The donation by the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) is meant to help the 12-member team to the Africa Senior Athletics Championships due next week in Porto Novo, Benin.

UOC is hoping some more athletes qualify for next month’s Olympics, while competing in Benin.

“We don’t want anyone to be left out, that’s why we are going an extra mile to make sure that those who can’t qualify from here can do it in Benin,” sports commissioner Dan Tamwesigire, said during a press conference at Lugogo.

On behalf of government, Tamwesigire promised support to the team and sports at large.

Double All Africa Games gold medallist Annet Negesa lauded the UOC gesture.

“I am glad that my fellow athletes won’t be left out as they try to join the rest of us who have already qualified for the Olympics,” Negesa said.

In Benin, Negesa will try to claim her first senior African title at her maiden appearance.

She is optimistic her success in last year’s All Africa Games in Maputo will give her an edge against Africa’s best in the 800 and 1,500m.

“I have to replicate my Maputo performance and become Africa Champion ahead of the Olympic Games,” said Negesa.