Sports Ignite Diocesan Education Week

By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese

The second day of the 3rd Diocesan Education Week in Lira Diocese burst into life as Catholic-founded schools filled the sporting venues with cheers, songs, and youthful energy. From football fields to netball courts, students gathered not just to compete, but to celebrate faith, friendship, and talent under this year’s theme: “Catholic Schools Alive in Christ, Pilgrims of Hope.”

The week was officially launched on Monday evening by the Bishop of Lira Diocese, Rt. Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok, with a blessing and message of encouragement to learners while on Monday afternoon, the Education Secretary, Rev. Sr. Agnes Atala MSMMC, formally opened the sports competitions, reminding the participants that the games are a celebration of unity, not rivalry.

“Play with the ball, not with somebody’s legs, ribs, or head. Let there be no intimidation,” Sr. Atala told the players, urging them to uphold team spirit and grow together as one family in Christ.

She further shared the Bishop’s greetings with the learners, as he presided over the opening of a new education block and hostel at Uganda Martyrs University, Ngetta Campus.

The sporting calendar is packed, with over 20 girls’ football teams expected, alongside netball for girls and football for both boys and girls across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions.

Among the participating schools are Adyel Primary, St. Paul Primary, Ambalal Primary, St. Kizito Primary, as well as secondary institutions such as St. John Conrad Technical, Fr. Aloysius SS, Rachele Comprehensive SS, Acaba SS, St. Joseph’s Seminary Aboke, Asili Girls Vocational SS, Fatima Aloi SS, St. Francisca, Iguli Girls, Dokolo Girls, and many others.

The opening matches lived up to expectations: St. Mary Magdalene, reigning champions in girls’ football, secured a convincing 2–0 victory over Rachele Comprehensive, while Fatima Aloi SS battled to a goalless draw with St. Francisca.

Excitement continues to build as today’s fixtures promise more action. Rachele Comprehensive boys are set to clash with Fr. Aloysius SS, while Acaba SS girls will take on Asili Girls in football. On the netball court, St. Mary Magdalene will face Atapara SS, and Adyel Primary School will challenge Bishop Caesar Asili Primary School.

As the games unfold, the message is clear: the Diocesan Education Week is more than a contest of goals and points. It is a celebration of talent, unity, and Catholic values, reminding learners that sports, like education, are a path to growth in Christ.