A student from Gulu University has won a trip to Izumisano City, Japan, to take part in the international exchange marathon competition.
Walter Oyoo, a 23-year-old Business and Development Studies student in his second year, will run in the marathon on February 12, 2023, against several international stars.
According to the agreement between the authorities of Gulu City and Izumisano City, Oyos’ trip, among other expenses, will be fully taken care of in Japan throughout the week-long event.
Oyoo will compete, among other athletics, in a full marathon of 42.195 kilometers. On Sunday, Betty Aol Ocan, the Gulu City Women’s Member of Parliament, put on a 34-kilometer run in Gulu City. Oyoo won the race, which was put on by the Gulu City Women’s Member of Parliament.
The marathon, which had more than 30 people in it, including national and international stars like Tonny Onono, was used to figure out who would get the money from the program.
Oyoo, who boasts of many certificates and awards in the local and national competitions, says this will be his first international sports trip, which has been hindered by the lack of finances and local support.
He is optimistic about lifting the Ugandan flag high while in Japan and also using the same medium to lobby the government of Japan for support for local sports in Uganda.
Betty Aol Ocan, the Gulu City Woman Member of Parliament, says that the partnership with Izumisano City is supporting talents among local sportsmen.
Some of the top runners in the marathon included Tonny Onono, who came second; Oscar Isaac Ben (third); and Eddy Komakech (fourth).
Charles Okwonga, who was among the wheelchair runners, says that he used the opportunity to train and gain courage for the MTN Marathon in Kampala, which he is set to participate in.
