The UTA inaugural Junior Wheelchair Tennis Event was held on April 11, 2024, at the Ndejje University Tennis Court in Kampala, Uganda. This event marked a significant milestone in promoting inclusive sports in Uganda, providing a platform for young athletes who are handicapped to showcase their tennis talent. 

Organizers and Partners

The event was organized by the Uganda Tennis Association in partnership with.:

1. Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped
2. Johan Cruyff Foundation
3. UNIQLO
4. International Tennis Federation (ITF)
5. National Council of Sports (NCS)
6. EliteX Analytics Limited 

The Competition

A total of 11 players consisting of 8 girls and 3 boys took part in the event. The players showcased basic skills of playing wheelchair tennis as a warm up session and also mini games as a competition.

Coaches Involved

Uganda Tennis Association wheelchair tennis coaches were present at the event to guide the players during play. The coaches were:

1. Abok Anthony
2. Isaac Muyeti
3. Lawrence Ayikobua
4. Lucky Mugisha

Ms. Susan Kagona, sports tutor at Kampala School for the Physically Handicapped, was the link between the school administration and UTA administration.

UTA achieved goals in organizing the event which include the following;

1. Promoting Inclusive Sports: The event successfully promoted inclusivity sports in Uganda, providing opportunities for young athletes with disabilities to participate in competitive tennis.
2.  Talent Identification: The tournament served as a platform to identify future talent in wheelchair tennis, potentially leading to further development and support for these athletes.
3.  Advocacy: The event advocated for the integration of adaptive tennis programs in schools and communities across Uganda, promoting equal opportunities in the sport.
4. Community Engagement: The tournament fostered community engagement and awareness about the importance of inclusive sports, highlighting the potential of young athletes with disabilities.

Conclusion

The Junior Wheelchair Tennis Event was a groundbreaking success, marking a significant step towards promoting inclusive tennis in Uganda. 

With the support of organizers, partners, and coaches, this event has the potential to inspire further development of adaptive tennis programs in Uganda.