Uganda seeking support for Olympiad
A couple of weeks ago a story broke here about FIDE disqualifying three African federations, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Uganda. Each federation has had tremendous challenges assembling teams, but recent developments has clear the teams for the biennial event to be held in Dresden, Germany.
After a conference of FIDE officials they have decided to admit the federation on agreement that arrears will be paid. Here is a report from New Vision, a Ugandan newspaper that is a big supporter of chess.
Chess team needs 24m for Olympaid
Monday, 3rd November, 2008 (Kampala, Uganda)
By Douglas Mazune
THE Uganda Chess Federation’s financial constraints have been eased by a close to sh10m offer from several organisations ahead of the 2008 World Olympiad in Dresden, Germany later this month.
UCF has so far got offers from National Social Security Fund, Kampala Club and Civil Aviation Authority but still needs sh24m of their sh34m budget to send a men and womens team of 10 players.
UCF publicity secretary Vianney Luggya was optimistic their search for sponsorship will yield funds.
“UCF is highly appreciative of the support received so far and strongly appeals to other corporate bodies and well wishers to emulate this gesture,” Luggya stated.
Uganda’s best performance at the Olympiad was in 1996 when teenage prodigy Godfrey Makumbi won a gold medal on board six in Armenia.