APR athletics and Military football clubs have their eyes fixed on winning gold at the East Africa Defense Forces Culture and Sports games set for June 24-July 2 in Kampala, Uganda.

The athletics team, which is composed of 14 athletes, is led by national long distance icon Dieudonne Disi while the football club is constituted of 22 players.

The athletics team coach Innocent Rwabuhihi said yesterday that he has selected a strong squad capable of winning gold in this year’s championship.

"I have selected the best athletes and my target is to pick gold,” Rwabuhihi said.

Meanwhile, Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) Director of Sports, Lt. Robert Kanamugire confirmed to Times Sport yesterday that the APR contingent will travel to Kampala tomorrow by road for the week-long competitions.

"Both teams have been in residential camp at Kacyiru Red cross head quarters for the past three weeks and we expect good performances from them,” Lt. Kanamugire said.
Rwanda and Burundi will be taking part in the Games for the first time after being admitted to the East African Community late last year.

Other countries that will participate in this year’s edition include; Kenya, Tanzania and hosts Uganda.
Tanzania won the 2007 edition in Dar-es-Salaam, with Uganda finishing second while Kenya settled for the third.

The invited teams were expected to start arriving in Kampala by yesterday (June 20). Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) will meet all the local costs for the event aimed at promoting solidarity among the regional defense forces.

The competition will be officially opened by UPDF Army commander Gen. Aronda Nyakairima at Namboole stadium on June 24.

Action which will feature handball, netball, boxing and a cross-country event is expected to be held at Namboole stadium, Lugogo and Bombo grounds.

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