The National High Altitude Training Center (NHATC) is more than just a sports facility; it’s a catalyst for education, athletic excellence, and community transformation. Led by Justine Yapsoyekwo, the Officer in Charge of NHATC and Head Teacher of Teryet Secondary School, this innovative project is a collaborative effort between Teryet Primary School and Teryet Secondary School.
NHATC recognizes the importance of a well-rounded life. Yapsoyekwo emphasized, “Investing in both sports and education is crucial. Talent may be short-lived, but education provides a safety net and fosters sustainability for future careers, even after an athletic career ends.”
The center has demonstrably impacted the local community. With over 990 students across both schools, NHATC has offered an alternative to negative influences. As Yapsoyekwo points out, “Students now have dreams beyond primary school graduation. They see a path to further their studies and build fulfilling careers.”
To truly elevate their training experience, NHATC offers a comprehensive suite of facilities. Enduring athletes will find everything they need to push their limits, including a World Athletics-certified regulation track, a separate jogging track for varied workouts, and multi-purpose fields for rugby and football. Scattered along the jogging track are 10 strategically placed fitness stations, allowing for dynamic circuit training. To top it all off, comfortable on-site hostel accommodations ensure a convenient and restful stay for athletes focusing on their peak performance.
While over 20 countries have expressed interest in utilizing the NHATC, its official opening by President Museveni is still pending (scheduled for June 2024).
The impact of the Teryet High Altitude Stadium exceeds Kapchorwa and Ugandan borders. This world-class facility boasts prestigious World Athletics certification, allowing it to host official Olympic, World Championship, and World Record qualification events.
This is a game-changer for Ugandan athletes, eliminating the need for them to travel long distances to Mandela Stadium in Kampala or even compete abroad to achieve qualifying times. Now, top performances at Teryet can be submitted directly to the Uganda Athletics Federation for national team consideration, opening doors for more Ugandan athletes to compete on the international stage.
Yapsoyekwo highlighted the importance of the consortium, saying that the combined facilities allow them to identify talent early on in primary and secondary schools and nurture it within the NHATC framework.
The center has demonstrably improved student focus and performance, as evidenced by their recent participation in the ISF World School Cross Country Championship. While they didn’t get any medals, the experience provided valuable exposure, motivation, and a competitive edge for future endeavors.
