Underliza RFC from Matayos Sub-County have been crowned champions of the Odilo Rugby 7s Raga Mpakani Session Two after defeating Blacks RFC 33-5 in the final held at Mundika Senior Secondary School over the weekend.
In the women’s category, Kingandole Rucks from Butula Sub-County emerged champions after edging out Nambale Ladies 14-12 in a closely contested final.
Speaking during the tournament, Busia County Assembly Speaker and tournament sponsor Fredrick Odilo said the county has abundant sporting talent that needs to be identified, nurtured and supported to enable young people to earn a living through sports.
Odilo said tournaments such as the Odilo Rugby 7s provide an important platform for young people to showcase their abilities while enabling stakeholders to identify and nurture future national and international sports stars.
“Busia is a hub of talent in many sporting activities that has not been tapped. Such tournaments provide a platform for young people to showcase their abilities, and it is through them that we can identify the next Shujaa and Simba players,” he said.
He noted that inadequate investment remains a major challenge in the development of sporting talent in the region, calling on investors and neighbouring Uganda to support youth sports initiatives.
“There are many talented young people, but the challenge remains investment. I call on investors to support these young men and women so that they can earn a living from their talents. We also need support from our neighbours in Uganda to strengthen our relationship through sports,” Odilo said.
David Ayoyi called for greater community involvement in nurturing youth talent, saying sports provide young people with opportunities while keeping them away from crime and other social vices.
He said many young people become vulnerable to criminal activities because of unemployment and idleness, adding that sporting initiatives can help them develop skills, build discipline and explore opportunities for employment.
“We want many people to come together through sports so that we collectively take the initiative of nurturing the talents of our youth. Exposing youth to sports can help them find job opportunities and avoid engaging in crime and goonism,” Ayoyi said.
Jeff Okanya urged leaders to support sporting activities at the grassroots, saying tournaments provide an opportunity to identify talent while sensitising young people on drug abuse and crime.
“As leaders, we need to do more in supporting our youth through tournaments in different sporting activities. They help bring us together and provide an opportunity to meet many youths and sensitise them on drug abuse and criminal activities,” he said.
Moses Obenzo challenged the youth to remain disciplined and work hard as they develop their talents, noting that sporting events also provide an avenue to sensitise young people on gender-based violence, teenage pregnancies and drug addiction.
“This is the only place we can meet a large number of youth and conduct sensitisation on gender-based violence, early pregnancies and drug addiction. The youth have to understand that they can use their talent to earn a living through hard work and discipline,” he said.
By Salome Alwanda and Rodgers Omondi
