The beautiful football with fancy passing, awesome tackling, positioning, dribbles and scoring aside, this event featured a variety of activities designed to engage the community and promote mental health awareness. These included among other blood donation and testing services provided by Red Cross Uganda, medical consultations, and mental health awareness sessions. The first ever Mental Health Awareness football gala, organized by the Gracy Minds Empowerment Initiative Uganda was a total success.
Despite a last minute change of venue from the MTN Omondi stadium, Lugogo to the nearby Legends Rugby grounds Naguru; organizations and agencies still showed up. By close of business, Kagwa League came top of all the teams to win the coveted trophy that also came forth with Ug.Shs 1,000,000.
The victors overcame Blossoms of Hope Foundation 3-2 in a tense thrilling finale watched by an ecstatic crowd under the theme “Speak up Today”. This tranquil 8-aside gala witnessed a total number of 528 people actively involved. was precipitated with support from the Football Nation Corporate League led by the Director, Martin Ayebare.
“The first mental health awareness football gala was a significant step towards breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the country.” Mercy Gracy Omona, director of Gracy Minds Empowerment Initiative Uganda boldly attests. The event was graced by numerous mental health and medical agencies, including the Ministry of Health, TPO Uganda, JCR.