By Aminah Makumbi
The 6th edition of CANA Zone III Swimming Championships to be hosted in Kampala has been postponed due to the rampant covid-19 pandemic.
Uganda was set to host the region’s top swimmers from different countries in November one of the major activities on the Uganda Swimming Federation (USF) calendar this year.
Moses Mwase the Uganda swimming federation (USF) president confirmed to pepper sport that this year’s event will not be possible because of the prevailing conditions.
“We have agreed to seek a postponement of the CANA event noting that realistically it will not be impossible to have Member Countries participate effectively nor can we mobilize sponsorship under these conditions,” said Mwase.
“We will request CANA Zone III Bureau to consider a postponement,” he stated.
On the local competition, Mwase said they are going to review and decide on what competitions they can hold before the end of the year and noting that swimmers will need 2-3 months to come back to fitness.
“When a decision is taken, we will follow the strict Guidelines and Safe Operating Procedures to ensure public safety and prevention,”
On the mass testing for the different swimmers before reopening of sports Mwase said, Testing is being done by the Government at approved facilities and is free. But we shall continue ensuring that our members remain compliant and observe the SOPs.
USF has already purchased the necessary gadgets like temperature guns after receiving financial support from National council of sports (NCS), to enable them to be compliant with the guidelines.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in March several USF competitions were postponed and some of these included the CANA Zone IV Championships in Botswana, Olympic qualifying events, national swimming sprints among other local and international events.
“We empathize with all our swimmers and ask them not to get frustrated. Tomorrow will be a brighter day when the lockdown is finally lifted. But most importantly, I ask them to observe all government guidelines necessary for us all to fight and defeat the COVID-9 pandemic,” Mwase added.
Meanwhile, all guidelines will apply to athletes, Coaches, instructors, and personnel managing facilities, employees, volunteers, agents of the USF, Medical personnel, technical officials, sponsors and partners, security personnel, Media and press attachés, parents and the general public. Also will apply to the following aquatic disciplines including Swimming; Open Water Swimming, Water Polo, and any other USF Aquatic or related activity, they are dynamic and are subject to updated to suit changing circumstances or cater to unforeseen situations concerning COVID-19.
