History of Sport Friends International - Uganda

The story so far... (Richard C. Ssekyeru Founder and CEO Sports Friends International (Uganda))

It was the year 1999 when Richard Charles Ssekyeru, had an Idea to revamp his desire and passion in sports, as he continued on his journey with the Lord serving in a local Church. Sports as of this time were considered evil and sin among many churches. Filled with guilt as a sports person, Richard recalls moments that he used to sneak out of church and her programs to go play football (soccer). When he returned many used to looked on him as a sinner, loser and non serious Christians.

"My friends blamed me so much for sneaking away from Church and go to play football. Guilt and accusations filled me every time this happened, yet I could not quench this passion, passion, passion!". Richard exclaimed

In order to deal with his guilt and condemnation he thought it fit to organize his church folks to play together as Christians. Although that was done, it never helped to deal with the real issue; there was no fun and challenges within that very context. He never got impressed with that until another idea was developed to hold a church sports day and include some of the non Christian friends.

One step in preparation for this big day led to another and as the day drew near, another Church – Faith Arena applied to be a part of the Sports Day. That meant his Church Verses another Church.

The event it’s self attracted many people including Pastors who welcomed the idea and asked that this be held quite often. A few other neighbouring churches were contacted to join the in the same vision.

Meetings started to organize for as the First Inter-Church Tournament. All preparation were made with only 3 soccer balls. 29 churches participated in this tournament.

"Little did I know that this was called Sports Minister, we were just loving and passionately doing what we like". He exclaimed!

Fortunately now but unfortunately then, the finals of this tournament was a disaster. I had never seen a worst of behavior among Christians like I saw that afternoon. First of all the referee who was supposed to officiate the match never showed up, and I had to fill in that gap. Secondly, I called for penalty after serious foul during the game and this sparked all sorts of misconduct. I was abused, insulted for the rest of the playing time. I just made two conclusions then; One; I will never do this again and two; I don’t trust any Christians in any church from the kind of attitudes and behaviors I experienced that time. Richard lamented

Little did he know that this would lead him deeper life quest of Whys?, Whats?, Wheres?, and How tos? In order to passionately follow what the Lord laid on his heart.

It is now 18 years that Sports Friends International Uganda was birthed.

Sharing the above story with you is a journey that I must say never stopped and don’t know when it will but I am grateful to the Lord for what He has done in and through me thus far, I trust Him for what He is doing and will do in the future.