Athletics
Passing the Baton: Halimah Nakaayi’s inspiring role at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
As anticipation builds toward a historic celebration of youth sport in West Africa, a compelling story of inspiration, mentorship, and legacy is already unfolding.
The announcement of 31 Athlete Role Models for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games is more than just a ceremonial nod; it is a deliberate investment in the future of sport. Among these elite figures stands Uganda’s own Halimah Nakaayi, ready to pass on the torch of excellence to the next generation.
Since their inception at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, the Youth Olympic Games have been about more than podium finishes. They are a melting pot of ambition, culture, and learning where young athletes are groomed not just to compete, but to thrive.
At Dakar 2026, scheduled from 31 October to 13 November, approximately 2,700 athletes aged 17 and under will gather across Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. With 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports, every discipline will be guided by at least one Athlete Role Model, an experienced Olympian who has “been there and done that”.
These mentors will not only watch from the sidelines but will walk alongside the athletes, offering advice, sharing stories, and leading workshops on everything from mental strength to injury prevention. They are living proof that greatness is not just achieved—it is learned, nurtured, and sustained.
For Nakaayi, this moment feels like coming full circle; Having competed at the Youth Olympics herself in 2010, she describes the experience as a turning point, one that ignited a fire of consistency and resilience that has defined her career ever since.
“There’s not any single year I’ve failed to represent Uganda,” she reflects, her voice echoing the discipline that has become her signature.
Now, she returns not as a hopeful teenager but as a seasoned champion, ready to inspire others to believe in their own journeys. Her message is simple yet powerful: success is not instant; it is a gradual process built on persistence, consistency, and self-belief.
As a world-class 800m runner, Nakaayi brings more than medals to Dakar; she brings perspective. She speaks candidly about the realities of elite sport: the sting of underperformance, the mental battles behind the scenes, and the importance of resilience.
Sometimes things do not go as planned but that is not the end—it is part of the journey.
Halima Nakaayi, Olympian
Her emphasis on mental strength stands out. In a world where physical fitness often takes center stage, Nakaayi reminds young athletes that the mind is just as crucial. Fear, pressure, and doubt can derail even the most prepared competitor, but with the right mindset, they can be overcome.
Nakaayi’s own journey was shaped by role models from Ugandan runner Annet Negesa to global stars like Sifan Hassan and Faith Kipyegon. Their achievements lit the path she now walks and now, she hopes to do the same for others.
To her, mentorship is not optional; it is essential. It gives athletes a vision, a sense of possibility, and the belief that “no human is limited”.
And for those who may leave Dakar without medals? Nakaayi has a message just as meaningful: sport is bigger than winning. It is about growth, connections, and discovering opportunities that extend far beyond the track.
Throughout the Games, Nakaayi will be present in training sessions, workshops, and even victory ceremonies, cheering, guiding, and celebrating every step of the athletes’ journeys. Whether it’s sharing recovery techniques, emphasising proper training, or simply offering encouragement, her role will be as dynamic as her racing style.
But perhaps her most enduring contribution will be the mindset she instils: dream boldly, work relentlessly, and never limit your potential.
Who is Halimah Nakaayi?
Halimah Nakaayi is a Ugandan 800m specialist and one of the country’s most accomplished middle-distance runners. Born on October 29, 1994, she rose through local competitions to become a global force. Her career highlight came in 2019 when she won gold in the women’s 800m at the World Athletics Championships, cementing her place among Uganda’s elite athletes. A consistent representative of Uganda on the international stage, including the Olympic Games, Nakaayi is known for her tactical racing and powerful finishing kick. Today, she continues to inspire a new generation—not just through her performances, but through her dedication to mentorship and athlete development.
The post Passing the Baton: Halimah Nakaayi’s inspiring role at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
Athletics
AFN President Tonobok Okowa Lauds Introduction Of Ben Aghazu Cash Prizes Ahead Of National Athletics Trials
The president of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa has lauded the introduction of Ben Aghazu Prize for Excellence ahead of the forthcoming national trisls in Lagos.
Sports247 reports that Okowa also showered encomiums on AFN’s second vice-president, Akuchukwu Chineze Aghazu for floating the elaborate cash prizes in honour of her late father, Ben Aghazu.
It was further gathered that, under the scheme, outstanding athletes will get N100,000 each for achieving performance standards in 14 events during the natuonal trials holding from June 20th to 22th at Yaba College ofTechnology, Lagos.
Aghazu also announced that two exceptional coaches, one male and a female, have already been selected to receive the athletics excellence award for tacticians in various track and field events.
In reaction to the development, Okowa expressed delight with the initiative, which he described as a commendable gesture that will inspire athletes to put in extra efforts towards getting better results during the trials.
Okowa declared, “I am excited by this thoughtful initiative from our second vice-president, Aku Aghazu. This is the kind of support that motivates our home-based athletes to give their very best during these all-important Commonwealth Games Trials.”
Okowa, who is also the senior vice-president of Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), used the opportunity to call on corporate organisations and philanthropists to support athletics and invest in the country’s sporting talents.
“We appeal to individuals, corporate bodies and stakeholders in the private sector to throw their weight behind athletics and our athletes. There is enormous talent in Nigeria and with the right support, our athletes can continue to make the nation proud on the global stage,” Okowa solicited.
AFN’s media committee chairman, Maxwell Kumoye added in a press statement, “The Ben Aghazu Prize for Excellence in Athletics covers the men’s and women’s 100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m and 5000m, as well as the long jump and javelin events.
“To earn the N100,000 reward in the men’s 100m, an athlete must clock 10.10 seconds, while the women’s benchmark is 11.20 seconds.
“In the 200m, male athletes must run 20.60 seconds, while female athletes are required to achieve 22.70 seconds. The qualifying standards for the 400m are 45.30 seconds for men and 51.00 seconds for women.
“For the 1500m, athletes must run 3:50.00 for men and 4:20.00 for women to claim the prize, while the 5000m standards have been fixed at 14:00.00 for men and 17:50.00 for women.
“Field event athletes have also been included in the incentive package. Male long jumpers must soar to 7.90 metres, while female athletes are expected to reach 6.50 metres. In the javelin throw, the targets are 81 metres for men and 55 metres for women.
“Should athletes meet the required marks across all 14 events, a total of N1.6 million could be disbursed during the three-day competition, (ahead of which) the scheme sends a powerful message that outstanding performances will be recognised and celebrated.”
Sports247 gathered further that, with the Commonwealth Games trials fast approaching, athletes now have an added incentive to produce world-class performances with Aghazu’s gesture, which honours the legacy of her late father.
The post AFN President Tonobok Okowa Lauds Introduction Of Ben Aghazu Cash Prizes Ahead Of National Athletics Trials first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post AFN President Tonobok Okowa Lauds Introduction Of Ben Aghazu Cash Prizes Ahead Of National Athletics Trials appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Athletics
Bukola Olopade Prioritises Athlete Welfare While Targeting 20 Medals At Commonwealth Games
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has stressed that athlete welfare and proper preparation will remain central to Team Nigeria’s ambitions ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
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Speaking during a strategic meeting with sports federation executives and technical officials in Abuja, Olopade revealed that the Commission is determined to provide athletes with the right environment and support needed to compete successfully.
“Athlete welfare remains a top priority for us,” Olopade said.
According to the NSC boss, the Commission’s preparation plans will focus heavily on discipline, improved support systems, and performance standards across all sports federations.
“We want our athletes to compete under the best possible conditions,” he implied.
Olopade also challenged Team Nigeria to aim for at least 20 medals at the Games, insisting the target remains ambitious but achievable.
“We are targeting a minimum of 20 medals,” he noted.
The sports administrator explained that current projections suggest Nigeria could secure around 16 medals, but the Commission wants athletes to push beyond expectations.
“The idea is to motivate the athletes to achieve more,” he added.
Olopade stressed that athlete welfare, discipline, and strong preparation would remain major benchmarks in the Commission’s roadmap ahead of the Games.
“Every federation must raise its standards,” he stressed.
The NSC remains optimistic that the groundwork currently being laid will help Nigeria produce one of its strongest Commonwealth Games performances in recent years.
“Good preparation and proper welfare can improve performances significantly,” many sports observers believe.
Team Nigeria is expected to compete across several sporting events as preparations continue intensifying ahead of Glasgow 2026.
For Bukola Olopade, the message is clear.
Athlete welfare is important.
Nigeria must aim for at least 20 medals.
And strong preparation remains essential for international success.
Because athletes perform best when they are motivated, supported, and properly prepared to compete at the highest level.
The post Bukola Olopade Prioritises Athlete Welfare While Targeting 20 Medals At Commonwealth Games first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.
The post Bukola Olopade Prioritises Athlete Welfare While Targeting 20 Medals At Commonwealth Games appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
- Event: Olympic Day Tooke Run 2026
- Categories: Half Marathon (21KM), 10KM (Fun Run), 5KM (Walk for Fitness Inclusivity)
- Prize money: Ug.Shs 120,000,000
- Date: Saturday, 20th June 2026
- Start & finish: Bushenyi sports ground
- Theme: Move, Learn & Discover for Nutrition-Care
- Chief Runner: His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), in partnership with Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBIC) and Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC), officially unveiled a UGX 120,000,000 (One hundred and twenty million) prize cash for the 2026 Olympic Day Tooke Run set for 20th June in Bushenyi District.
The event to unveil this hefty prize money took place at the BIRDC head offices in Kampala on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026.
Rev. Professor Florence Muranga Isabirye, the Nutrition Ambassador at Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) graced the event flanked by UOC’s administrator Elijah Njawuzi and the route director Timothy Masaba.
“The prize monies across the different categories are meant to appreciate the effort of the runners and motivate them as we grow the sport of running in Uganda” Rev. Prof Muranga stated.
The prize money will be awarded across the 21KM Half Marathon, 10KM Road Race, and 5KM Fun Run/Walk categories, including a dedicated Under-16 Youth Race aimed at nurturing and rewarding emerging talent.
A lion’s share of this money will go to the 21KM runners who will pocket Ug.Shs 72,000,000 in total for the total five across both gender.
Ug.Shs 24,000,000 will be rewarded to the 10KM runners and the rest will be shared among the 5KM recreational runners.
Besides the money for the top runners, there will be a ceremonial medal for everyone who participates as well as a gift hamper.
Held under the theme “Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition Care,” the Run seeks to raise support for Uganda’s team to the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, promote healthy lifestyles, and champion nutrition awareness through the power of sport.
Registration is ongoing at register.olympictookerun.com. Secure your kit today for only UGX 35,000 and be part of a movement that is transforming lives through sport and nutrition.
His Excellency president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to be the chief guest.
The post Olympic Day Tooke Run 2026: Hefty Ug.Shs 120,000,000 prize money kitty unveiled appeared first on Kawowo Sports.
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