Editor’s Note: The following is republished from Sam Otoa’s ULL Gameday Report from Saturday, March 30. The Uganda Lacrosse League is a 5 team men’s lacrosse league that is sponsored by Fields o f Growth. 

Strykers 5 – 6 Warriaz

League leaders Strykers put themselves on a tightrope as they lost their last game of the league to Warriaz in the evening’s most anticipated game. They needed only a point to secure the league title.

Strykers held an uncomfortable 5-4 lead at the end of an eventful third quarter. Strykers’ defense had to hold off many attacks from a determined Warriaz side in that quarter.

Warriaz attackman Phillip Sebunya scored, one of four goals for him, late in the fourth quarter leveled the scores at 06:11. Shortly after, another goal for Warriaz from attackman Oscar Wodero put his team in the lead and got them a hard earned victory.

Strykers are still at the top of the table with 18 points but now their championship ambitions are dependent on Panthers last game. Panthers need a win with at least a 4 goal margin to overtake Strykers and win the league championship.

Warriaz will face-off against Kings in their last game of this league on Saturday April 13^th. 

Strykers scoring (goal-assist)

Bokech James 2-0, Kasule Kenneth 2-0, Makanda Ibra 1-0. Goalkeeper: Joga Issa (L, 60:00, Saves-6, GA-6)

Warriaz scoring (goal-assist)

Ssebunya Phillip 4-0, Okura John Paul 1-0, Wodero Oscar 1-0. Goalkeeper: Okello Jimmy (W, 60:00, Saves-8, GA-5)

Looking deeper into the international landscape and the concept of sport, this spring’s University of Idaho Borah Symposium will focus on Beyond the Battlefield: Sports, War and Peace. Events will take place April 1-3 on the Moscow campus and are free to the public.

“With the recent summer Olympic Games in London, including performances by former Vandal student-athletes, we felt this theme would particularly resonate with our local campuses and communities, bringing a deeper, more global perspective to the role of sports in contemporary society,” said Lysa Salsbury, coordinator for programs for the University of Idaho Women’s Center and co-chair of the Borah committee.

“All of our invited speakers for the 2013 Borah Symposium are ambassadors for the effective use of sports in peace-making and community development in an international context. Their work is both groundbreaking and life-changing, and we’re very excited to have the honor of hosting them at the University of Idaho this spring.”

The symposium will focus on the aggression of sporting games, which sometimes escalates into conflict, the cultural accessibility of sports and their abilities to transform aggression into healthy competition on the field.

“Sports and war share a deep political, social, and cultural connection,” said Salsbury. “Both the sports field and the battlefield are places where national aggression and patriotism is not only legitimized, but encouraged and glorified. Soldiers and athletes alike are representatives of a nation’s status and power. However, sports also can present a successful alternative to war, providing an opportunity for competition without bloodshed, conflict without casualties.”

The symposium opens Monday, April 1 with the screening of “One Goal,” an inspirational documentary about a soccer team formed by young, African amputees. Though they lost limbs as a result of civil war, their shared passion for sports elevates them to iconic standing. Commentary by the filmmakers accompanies the movie. Curtains go up at 7 p.m. at the Student Union Building (SUB) Ballroom, 709 Deakin Avenue, Moscow. A panel discussion will follow the screening.

Panelists include Barcelona-based cultural producer, and documentary filmmaker, Sergi Agusti; Dee Malchow, vice chair of Women of Hope International, a ministry to the disabled women in Sierra Leone; and Alfred “Bankie” Mansaray, a U-Idaho alumnus, a native of Sierra Leone, and employment advocate for Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area Refugee Immigration Services (RIS) Target Assistant Program in Maryland.

“Both sports and war strive to win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others who are trying to do the same. Are sports thus only a disciplined and contained form of war? Is sport only war writ small, without violence and mortality? Or do sports through discipline and competition allow for groups and individuals to strive for honor and physical achievement unavailable to the warrior,” said Ellen Kittell, associate professor of history and co-chair of the Borah Committee.

The symposium continues on Tuesday, April 2 with an afternoon panel discussion featuring several international non-governmental organizations and an evening address.

• On the panel will be representatives from Fields of Growth International, a non-profit that aims to harness the passion of the lacrosse community into positive social impact through global leadership development, service and growing the game; Right to Play, a non-profit that uses sport and play to educate and empower children and youth to overcome the effects of poverty, conflict and disease in disadvantaged communities; and Soccer Without Borders, a non-profit that addresses the lack of safe spaces where young people can play, the lack of opportunity for youth to explore social issues and community challenges, and the lock of social capital and access to potential opportunities for education, employment and personal growth among young people in underserved communities throughout the world. The panel will convene at 11 a.m. in the Student Union Building Silver/Gold Room, 709 Deakin Avenue, Moscow.
• At 7 p.m., Alexandar Wolff will present the Borah Symposium’s Plenary Address, also in Student Union Building Ballroom. Wolff has served on the staff of Sports Illustrated since 1980 and wrote a September 2011 Sports Illustrated cover story called “Sports Saves the World.” In addition to covering basketball at all levels, he has written from the Olympics, soccer’s World Cup, every Grand Slam tennis event and the Tour de France bicycle race. SI assignments have taken him to China, Cuba and Iran. His work deals with sports and culture when it comes to race, ethnicity, gender, drugs, the environment, education, youth development, business, conflict and ethics, as well as cultural themes like style, food and the media.

The symposium wraps up on Wednesday, April 3 with the Sports-and-Play Workshops during the day and the Borah Symposium Keynote Speech in the evening.

• Sports-and-Play Workshops will provide an opportunity to learn more about the importance of sports and play. Workshops will run from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Kibbie Dome, 1000 Stadium Dr. in Moscow.
• The symposium will conclude with the Borah Symposium Keynote Speech by Johann Olav Koss, the founder of Right to Play, at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Building Ballroom. Koss is a four-time Olympic Gold Medalist in speed skating and made world headlines when he won three Gold Medals at the 1994 Lillehammer Games in the 1,500-, 5,000- and 10,000-metre events. Over the course of his career, he broke a total of 10 world records, won three World All-round Championships, and won numerous World Cups and National Championships. Johann has dedicated himself to growing Right To Play into an internationally recognized NGO and a leader in Sport for Development, which uses sport and play to enhance the healthy physical and psycho-social development of children and to build stronger communities. Today, Right To Play develops and implements child and community development programs in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, working with the United Nations and such other agencies as UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

All proceeds go to the Barefoot Truth Children’s Choir Education Fund.

The Warriaz are the defending Kings Cup Champs, and therefore a fan favorite among the youth of Uganda.

Strykers, Warriaz Show their Strength in Week 3 of Uganda Lacrosse League Action

Strykers LC Cruises to a 5-0 win over the Kings

Strykers’ attackman Ibra Makanda scored a hat-trick and team-mate Kenneth Kasule notched two goals as Strykers brushed aside Kings Lacrosse in a heated game.

Strykers went ahead early and were having a comfortable 3-0 lead by the half time break. 2 more goals from Ibra, late in the 4^th quarter capped a brilliant game for the Strykers.

Strykers’ defense midfielder, Tabu James, had a team high 3 assists to cap what was a fantastic individual performance.

This win puts Strykers top of the league table with 6 points in 3 games. Strykers will return to action on February 9^th against Warriaz.

Strykers Lacrosse scoring (goals-assists)

Ibra Makanda 3-0, Kenneth Kasule 2-0; Goalkeeper: Jooga Isa (W, 60:00, Saves-2, GA-0)

Kings Lacrosse scoring (goals-assists)

0; Goalkeeper: Allan Amone (L, 60:00, Saves-7, GA-5)

Warriaz Edge Rival Oneonta 3-2

Warriaz Lacrosse got some sweet revenge over rivals Oneonta Lacrosse beating the ‘Ones’ 3-2 in the evening’s game at MUBS grounds, Nakawa. Midfielder, Ryan Mugisa got 2 goals for the losing side, Oneonta.

Warriaz began their surge on goal with 2 goals apiece from Vanjo Kaviiri and Phillip Ssebunya in the 1^st quarter. Warriaz attackman, Wodero Oscar, added a third goal for his team mid -2^nd quarter to put Warriaz 3-0 clear.

After the halftime break, Oneonta’s relentless attacks yielded 2 goals from midfielder Ryan Mugisa in the 3^rd and early 4^th quarter to get back into the contest. However a comeback was not to be as this tightly contested game was brought to completion by the referee.

Oneonta’s captain Patrick Oriana’s commendable 89% face-off wins did not help his team avoid a loss. Warriaz’s defender Jeff Anwar put in a man-of-the-match performance with 8 groundballs and causing a number of turnovers.

Oneonta fall a slot to 3^rd on the league table while Warriaz remains at 4^th position.

Both teams resume league action next Saturday, 26^th January, at MUBS grounds Nakawa with Warriaz going against Kings Lacrosse and Oneonta against Panthers Lacrosse.

Warriaz scoring (goals-assists)

Phillip Ssebunya 1-1, Vanjo Kaviiri 1-2, Wodero Oscar 1-0; Goalkeeper: Tabu Jimmy (W, 60:00, Saves-4, GA-2)

Oneonta scoring (goals-assists)

Ryan Mugisa 2-0, Goalkeeper: Okello James (L, 60:00, Saves-2, GA-3)

Bowen, Bullard and Wills ran a lacrosse camp that was held as part of the ongoing youth development efforts of the St. Patrick’s Foundation and Fields of Growth in Riverton City, a community built around the Kingston City trash dump. In addition to the youth lacrosse activities the group participated in an elderly home visit programs in Kingston and surrounding rural areas. Bullard also had the opportunity to meet with female track and field coaches at two of Kingston’s top female high schools, Wormer’s School for Girls and St. Andrews, both schools will be introducing lacrosse later this year.

The visit from Bullard and Wills comes on the heels of an extended lacrosse development visit from a male delegation out of Duxbury, MA. Harry Holden, Charles Willauer and Peter Willauer spent six weeks in Jamaica, serving with Fields of Growth, while introducing the sport at Kingston College and St. George’s College – two of the top academic and athletic high schools in Kingston.

Hilary Bowen, who starred on attack while majoring in Human Development at Northwestern believes strongly in the positive social impact lacrosse can have in Jamaica, “Sport can unite a community with excitement like nothing else can. People in Jamaica see the combination of education and sport as avenues of opportunity for a better life” said Bowen.

US national teammates Devon Wills and Sarah Bullard describe their passion for growing the game along the lines of a moral obligation,

“Lacrosse has done so much for me. I feel like it would be selfish not to share the game. The friendships, inspirations, experiences and overall fun inherent in the game has a positive impact on those who play it,” said Wills.

Bullard echoes similar feelings; “ This sport has given me so much; an opportunity to channel my energy and passion into something positive, an incredible education, and some of the most valued relationships in my life. I want as many people as possible to have access to the gifts that lacrosse has given me.”

The sporting culture in Jamaica is extremely competitive and their administration of high school sports is among the best in the world. The introduction of lacrosse is in line with pre-existing government initiatives to use sport as a form of human, national and economic development. For all it’s challenges Jamaica is ahead of most countries when it comes to using sports as a compliment to formal classroom education. Jamaica’s Interscholastic Sports Association is among the best in the world.

Day 1 – Monday December 3, 21012 - After a day of traveling, follow Rob as he reflects on his first experiences in Uganda including the Sanyu Babies Home and his first ULU practice.

Day 2 – Tuesday December 4, 2012 - During his second day in Uganda, Rob journeyed to Kkindu village to spend time with the children at the HOPEFUL School.

Day 3 – Wednesday December 5, 2012 - Join Rob on his eye-opening experience in Kkindu, witnessing the joy of these individuals that live on so few material possessions.

Day 4 – Thursday December 6, 2012 - Today, Rob and his fellow companions worked hand-in-hand with the people of Kkindu to help build permanent structures at the HOPEFUL School.

Day 5 – Friday December 7, 2012 - As with all of our trips, we are heavily invested in the educational experience.  Today, Rob joined staff at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine to learn about the religious history of Uganda before heading back to the pitch for a final practice with the ULU.

Final Day and Rap-up - Rob provides us with a final reflection on his journey.

First, I traveled to Uganda to coach, share my knowledge of the game with a very eager, hard working and passionate group of Ugandans.  It was incredible to see how far they have come in such little time and their desire to get better.  The athleticism is there, and with consistency in both practicing on a day to day basis and coaching, they will be at a high level a lot sooner than some would expect.  It was great to see the league they already have put in place and the first day of games that were played on Saturday.  The players on the field are extremely competitive and passionate about playing.  There are rivalries that already exist in the league and fans that already follow their progress.  Local media covers the games and the league as well and it was great to be able to get on one of the main radio stations to talk lacrosse and spark interest in the community!  What is most promising though about the development of lacrosse in Uganda is the younger kids.  They practice prior to the older players and stay till after they are done.  They mimic the drills that the older teams do and constantly have the stick in their hands.  This excites me about where lacrosse in Uganda will be years down the road when these young ones are older!

Second, I wanted to serve while I was in Uganda and in some ways was more of the reason I wanted to go.  One of the things I love about lacrosse is the opportunity it has allowed me to give back.  Cornell Lacrosse loves to give back to the community in any ways that we can and I figured this was a way for Cornell Lacrosse to give back in a major way.  Chad Wiedmaier and Tom Schreiber have put in a tremendous amount of work in developing the Hopeful School in Kindu and it was great to become a part of their projects as well as start Cornell Lacrosse’s own within the school.  It was eye opening to see the way in which people live that attend the school and to put a smile on their face and help them out in any ways that I can was worth the trip in itself.  We were able to break ground for a second classroom being built after a hard days work of digging and setup a house for the goats that we purchased.  While I was there we were also able to visit some of the families and deliver to them some holiday gifts that will go a long way as well as spend some time with them.  By the generosity of all those involved with Cornell Lacrosse and my personal life, these projects were made possible and many people’s lives will be changed as a result.  I thank you for that!

Lastly, I went over to Uganda to learn.  During my trip I was able to go to some of the main places in Uganda to learn about its history as well as constantly asking questions to Andrew, Maurice, Francis and Oscar and them constantly informing me of things as well.  I was able to learn much about Uganda’s history and about the geography of Uganda as well.  Aside from learning about Uganda as a whole, I learned about the people who live there and what it is they do on an everyday basis to provide for their families and themselves.  Whether it is walking miles to school or to get water, digging to earn some extra money, or tending to their crops or livestock, the people of Uganda are hard working and extremely thankful for what they have.  It was a lesson learned by me while I was there to be extremely thankful for what you have because you have no idea how incredibly different it could be.

All in all the trip was an incredible experience and I thank all those involved for making it happen and all those who donated to my cause for making a difference in the lives of many!