Former Uganda international and two-time Olympian Edwin Ekiring has donated a large consignment of badminton equipment to Players of Hope Badminton Academy in Gayaza as part of his continued efforts to support grassroots development of the sport.
Ekiring, who now plays and coaches at a badminton club in Luxembourg, handed over more than 100 rackets, over 50 pairs of shoes, shuttlecocks, nets, jerseys and other training equipment to the academy, which currently nurtures about 65 young players.
The donation is expected to ease one of the biggest challenges facing young badminton players in Uganda—limited access to quality playing equipment.
Players of Hope Academy head coach Annet Nakamya praised Ekiring for remaining committed to developing the sport long after his playing career in Uganda.
“We are grateful that our former player has come in today in a different capacity to give us a lot of hope,” Nakamya said.
She revealed that while part of the equipment will remain at the academy, some will be distributed to schools and other badminton academies across the country.
“We are all grateful to Edwin for first of all remembering where he came from. He has a heart for the growth of badminton in Uganda. We are also grateful to all the companies that donated through him,” she added.
Nakamya said badminton equipment wears out quickly, making such donations vital for the development of young players.
“The equipment gets depleted at a high rate. Any time he brings them in, it is a good gesture. Our appeal is that we have many former players—if you have something, you can always send it back home in the spirit of growing badminton in Uganda.”
Parents and children at the academy also expressed their appreciation, saying the equipment will help improve training and give young players a better opportunity to develop their talent.
Speaking after the donation, Ekiring said the initiative is aimed at inspiring the next generation of badminton players and showing them they have continued support.
“It is important for the kids to know that there is someone who still believes in them and wants them to become better players,” Ekiring said.
“We donated over 100 rackets, shoes, shuttlecocks, nets and clothes.”
He also highlighted the challenges involved in organising such donations.
“It is not an easy thing to collect, transport and then also pay taxes, especially if you don’t have a donation licence,” he noted.
Ekiring remains one of Uganda’s most decorated badminton players, having represented the country at two Olympic Games, four editions of the Commonwealth Games. He also won three medals at the African Games during his distinguished international career.
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