Ashinaga Kokorojuku Hosts Exciting Sports Day

On September 13th, the Ashinaga Kokorojuku in Uganda came alive with energy and excitement as students participated in the Ashinaga Olympics, a much-anticipated sports day organized by Cohort 11. This event aimed to foster connections among Ashinaga candidates, staff, and interns through various competitive activities, leaving participants with unforgettable memories.

The student government proposed the Olympics to showcase talents and skills while promoting camaraderie within the Ashinaga community. They extended invitations to Ashinaga executive members, sponsors, and staff from the Ashinaga Rainbow House, making it a significant gathering for everyone involved.

The day at the Kabaka Sports Arena was filled with diverse activities, ensuring something for everyone. From sprinting races for both boys and girls to tug of war, an egg-on-spoon race, an eating competition, a dancing competition, a sugar race, a sack race, a human ball race, musical chairs, and a brain box quiz covering math and general knowledge, the event was a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. The student government’s decision to suspend all classes from midday allowed the various activities to unfold for approximately six hours, ensuring a successful and engaging event.

A program manager at Ashinaga Uganda explained, “One of the primary goals of the AAI program is to prepare students for leadership roles. This event provided an invaluable bonding experience between staff and students, breaking down barriers that often exist in more formal settings. By interacting in a relaxed environment, students feel more comfortable approaching staff about their needs and concerns, which helps us create better, more personalized programs. Given the pressures of academic life and time away from their families, these emotional connections are vital for their overall development.”
This Olympics was extraordinary because the students led the entire plan. The experience fostered teamwork and leadership and allowed them to engage with the administrative processes of organizing such an event. They gained practical organizational, research, communication, and empathy skills—essential for effective leadership.

The Ashinaga Olympics was not just a day of competition but a celebration of unity, talent, and the spirit of togetherness among the students, paving the way for deeper connections and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.