Sports 9 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Dolphins Reclaim Top Spot at Starlings Juvenile Swim Gala
Dolphins Swim Club dominated the third Starlings Juvenile Gala with 885.5 points, ahead of Ozpreys and debutants Tumaini, at Time Out Leisure Park in Mbalwa. The event highlighted young swimmers aged 10 and under, drawing 848 participants in age-specific races. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/dolphins-triumph-at-starlings-juvenile-5418356
Dolphins Swim Club reclaimed victory at the third edition of the Starlings Juvenile Gala on Sunday at Time Out Leisure Park, Mbalwa. They topped the standings with 885.5 points, followed by Ozpreys at 689.5 and newcomers Tumaini with 631.5.
The gala, hosted by Starlings Swim Club, focused on swimmers aged 10 and below, filling a gap in junior competitions. A record 848 young athletes competed in age-matched events, including freestyle, butterfly, backstroke, and fun kickboard races for the youngest.
Starlings coach Mubarak Ssemanda emphasized the event’s role in building foundational skills. Dolphins’ swimmer Jehan Babirye, 12, noted how it motivates young talents without the pressure of older galas.
Standout performers included Ozpreys’ Gianna Opolot and Blue Whales’ Adams Aya, who shone in multiple events. In kickboard races for under-10s, winners ranged from Ariella Kikomeko to Maxwell Anglin across age groups.
Butterfly highlights featured Astrina Kikomeko (Ozpreys) and Aiden Mwasame, while backstroke saw strong showings from Aya and Geremiah Opolot. Time constraints led to shortened races and skipped breaststroke for older juniors.
Hosts Starlings placed 17th with 125 points but earned praise for promoting youth swimming.
Final Standings:
- Dolphins: 885.5
- Ozpreys: 689.5
- Tumaini: 631.5
- Imara: 548.33
- And others down to Aqua Titan: 1.