Uganda Woodball Federation president Paul Mark Kayongo (R) recieves an award amedal for his contributions to the sport from Dr. Patanacharrt Kridibwon of Thailand Woodball

Uganda Woodball Federation President Paul Mark Kayongo has been recognised by the International Woodball Federation (IWbF) for his exceptional dedication to the growth and development of the sport.

Kayongo received a prestigious gold medal during the closing dinner of the 4th Beach Woodball World Cup, held at Novotel Hotel in Rayong Municipality City, Thailand.

“I want to thank all of you who made this World Cup a success. In a special way, I recognize and award this medal of honour to Mr. Paul Mark Kayongo of Uganda for his commitment to the sport,” said Dr. Patanacharrt Kridibwon, President of the Thailand Woodball Federation and Chair of the Organizing Committee.

Uganda Woodball Federation president Paul Mark Kayongo (R) recieves an award amedal for his contributions to the sport from Dr. Patanacharrt Kridibwon of Thailand Woodball

Dr. Patanacharrt presented the medal on behalf of IWbF President Chen His-Hsein, who was unable to attend the ceremony.

Kayongo expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, noting that such honors affirm the value of his efforts and inspire him to continue innovating for the betterment of woodball.

Uganda was the only African nation represented at this year’s Beach World Cup, held at the scenic Cape Laem Mae Phim Beach on the Gulf of Thailand. Despite challenging weather conditions, the Ugandan team delivered a commendable performance, finishing fourth overall behind hosts Thailand, Indonesia, and Chinese Taipei.

The tropical climate posed a learning curve for the players, especially during sunny spells without caps and heavy rains that tested their adaptability. Unlike in Uganda, where matches are halted due to rain, international games continued until visibility was severely affected, a valuable lesson for future tournaments.

The Uganda team with Thailand Woodball President Dr. Patanacharrt Kridibwon (C) at the awards dinner at Novoleta Hotel Rayong Municipality. PHOTO: Johnson Were

Impressed by Uganda’s performance, IWbF President Chen His-Hsein donated equipment to support the team’s development. Kayongo distributed balls and mallets to each player to help them improve their attacking skills, a key area identified for growth. “We’ve given each player a ball and mallet so they can practice attacking the gate, which was a challenge during the tournament,” Kayongo noted.

Coach Onesmus Atamba echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to focus on ball setting and gate attacking techniques upon returning home. The Ugandan delegation enjoyed top-tier accommodation at the four-star Novotel Hotel, with excellent meals and facilities. The 182 km journey from Bangkok Airport to Rayong Municipality was smooth and comfortable, thanks to well-maintained roads and reliable transport.

Kayongo, a former sports tutor at Ndejje University, is credited with founding woodball in both Uganda and Africa. Although Uganda was slated to host the continental championship this year, the event was postponed due to the upcoming national elections in January, with heightened political activity expected from November. Despite the delay, Uganda’s strong showing in Thailand and Kayongo’s international recognition signal a promising future for woodball in the region, one driven by passion, resilience, and visionary leadership.