What an incredible day here in Uganda. FoDU Championship Tournament days have easily become some of my favorite days of the year. As our team wraps up our time here in Uganda it is so encouraging to say our goodbyes surrounding such a joyous occasion. From the parade through Wakiso, to the excitement and jubilation during the matches, the days was spectacular from sun up to sun down, and it was an extremely hot African sun today. As the Executive Director I have had the privilege and honor to be present at all of our tournament days thus far, and each one of them easily surpasses my expectations. It would not be possible for anyone to be present at our tournament grounds today and not sense that something incredible is happening in Uganda!
I am in awe of what God has done through this idea that is Fields of Dreams Uganda in such a short time frame. We are so incredibly proud of your Ugandan Staff, their tireless work with the children at our partner schools, and the love and humility in which they serve. I am especially proud of Jonathan Ssebambulide, our National Director, in which we can credit so many of our successes. Today was so well organized, and all who participated left feeling as if they were part of something very special. Due to a later start than expected, we ended once again in the dark, but part of me enjoys the dancing, the celebrations, and the unabashed joy under a canopy of stars.
The level of play across the board was very improved compared to last year’s tournament. The coaches have been doing a wonderful job working alongside our partner school’s gamesmasters, and the recent trip to Arusha by many students has had a large impact on the students play as well. It was so wonderful to watch Coach Faridah beaming with pride as the girls played so well on the pitch today, with heart, with determination, and with more knowledge of the game. New Kabaale Busega lost a close match to Africa Greater Life, and all of AGL helped celebrate across the pitch. Both boys’ finals matches were excellent to watch. New Kabaale Busega exhibited great teamwork and was able to defend their June title and take the senior boys division. Africa Greater Life played an excellent match in the junior boys division, but lost to a great opponent in Vision for Africa.
Words are simply not enough to capture the beauty of today, and to be honest the pictures posted on Fields of Dreams Uganda’s facebook page will not do the day justice either. The only way to be fully enveloped by the hope that is so evident in the children’s lives that we serve is to come and experience it for yourself. I cannot wait to travel to Gulu in March, in Northern Uganda and host our first FoDU championship tournament. And I invite you to join us on a June or July trip this summer to see firsthand all that being accomplished here in Uganda. I have never been more proud to be the executive director for FoDU than I was today amidst the next generation of Ugandan dreamers!!!!
Mike Warneke
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