A bold step forward in the rise of coastal Rowing in Africa, the first-ever East Africa Beach Sprints Championships were held at Bunjako Beach, Buwama in Uganda from June 2 to 8, 2025. This landmark event fused competition, coaching, and community into one thrilling week.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Victoria, Bunjako Beach transformed into the epicenter of Rowing innovation in East Africa. This inaugural beach sprints championship wasn’t just about medals – it was about mission. With beach sprints now officially on the Olympic Programme, Uganda identified the urgent need to embed coastal Rowing into its national strategy. The result? A comprehensive, collaborative initiative that brought together five nations – Uganda, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia – for an unforgettable experience of sport, learning, and legacy -building.
Organised through the close collaboration of Olympic Solidarity, World Rowing, the Uganda Olympic Committee, and the Uganda Rowing Federation, the championships had a powerful dual purpose: to host competitive races and to build capacity for the future. Two specific Olympic Solidarity grants made this possible—the Technical Course for Coaches (TCC) and the Youth Athlete Development (YAD) Grant.
Building Coaches, Building the Future
From June 2–6, eighteen coaches from across the region dove into a week-long immersion in coastal Rowing, led by top experts Sizwe Ndlovu and Emma Benany. Participants were guided through the beach sprint format, mastering both theoretical knowledge and hands-on race preparation. The course, part of World Rowing’s Level 1 Development Coach programme, is designed to professionalise coaching in emerging rowing nations. External online modules and practical assessments ensured that every coach left the beach not just inspired—but empowered.
Rising Stars Take to the Water
At the heart of the initiative was a focus on youth. Thanks to the YAD Grant, Under-17 athletes from Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, and Zimbabwe were able to travel, train, and compete – many for the very first time. These young rowers, full of passion and potential, now have their eyes set on the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. The beach in Buwama echoed with laughter, nerves, cheers – and the unmistakable sound of a dream taking shape.
Competition on the Crest of a Wave
The races themselves took place on June 7 and 8, with thrilling sprints across the sand and through the waves. Although some categories had limited entries and races were run jointly, the excitement never dipped. Times were clocked, waves were conquered, and champions were made. Results were carefully separated post-race to ensure fair competition—and every athlete walked away with a story to tell.
Overcoming the Odds
The success of this event is especially remarkable given the backdrop: a protracted five-year struggle to release a shipment of coastal boats sent to Uganda in 2019. The Rowing Federation, buoyed by the tireless advocacy of Ugandan Olympian Kathleen Noble and her family, worked to get the boats released in 2024, allowing rowing’s vision to take flight. Their efforts, along with support from the Sport Ministry, the Uganda National Council of Sports and National Olympic Committee, ensured that the long-awaited activities could finally come to life.
Eyes on the Horizon
The East Africa Beach Sprints Championships mark more than a sporting achievement—they signal the beginning of a continental movement. With regional coaches now trained, young athletes inspired, and partnerships strengthened, coastal Rowing in East Africa is poised for rapid growth. Plans are already underway to institutionalise the event as a biennial fixture, driving greater participation and preparation for upcoming continental and global competitions—including the 2025 African School Games in Algeria, the Africa Youth Games in Angola, and the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar.
World Rowing commends the Uganda Rowing Federation and all its partners for their exceptional organisation, vision, and drive. What began as a regional event is now a continental turning point.
Images courtesy of Uganda Rowing Federation, UGA and Kenya Coaches and Henry Guweddeko (UGA)
