Suleiman Galole and Mohamed Mohamud from Tana River and Mandera counties recently impressed many with their outstanding performances at the Federation of East Africa Schools Sports Association competition.
Against the odds, the two emerged victorious in an event that featured teams from across East Africa, securing gold and bronze medals for their counties.
Galole triumphed over a formidable group of competitors to win gold, while Mohamud earned a bronze medal in the high jump during the secondary school games. Their success garnered pride and admiration, altering the perceptions of numerous spectators and officials.
This achievement highlighted the potential of marginalized regions, showcasing youth talent that remains largely untapped. The duo’s accomplishments serve as a testament to the abilities of pastoralist children and the wealth of talent present in the often-overlooked northern areas.
Fourteen-year-old Galole, from Handaraku Junior Secondary in Tana Delta, is determined to make his mark in athletics with his exceptional skills and strong resolve. In an interview, he stated, “We don’t need sympathy or handouts; we need exposure, proper training, and equipment.”
He appealed for sponsorship from the county government, corporate entities, or sports organizations to help him cultivate his talent. “I believe I can win gold for my country at the Olympics,” Galole expressed.
Coming from a family of eight, he noted that high jump is a cultural practice among pastoralist children, often played while herding livestock. “This game is familiar to us; we grew up jumping over thorny trees, competing to see who could jump the highest. That’s where I discovered my talent,” he explained.
His regional success followed a series of victories: first place in the county and Coast region, and third place nationally, leading to his gold medal win.
Galole requested assistance from well-wishers to help him realize his dream, acknowledging that his elderly and financially struggling parents cannot provide much support. “I humbly ask for help. Any assistance would mean a lot to me,” he said.
Yussuf Jilo Guyo, headteacher of Handaraku Junior Secondary School, praised Galole’s performance. “We all celebrated when Galole won the gold medal; the entire village rejoiced and gave him a hero’s welcome,” he said. As vice chairman for regional school sports, he noted that competitions like this reveal the hidden talents of many pastoralist children.
He urged supporters to help Galole achieve his dreams, emphasizing that despite his poor background, with the right support, he has great potential.
Mohamud, the bronze medalist, shares a similar story of nurturing his talent. “During school holidays, we often jump over trees, which helped me develop my skills. My teachers also recognized my talent during school competitions,” he explained.
He reflected on his journey from local competitions to regional and national levels, viewing these milestones as pivotal moments in his athletic career. “I come from a remote village in Mandera and had never traveled beyond it until now. I thank Allah for the opportunity to compete and win a bronze medal for my country in Uganda,” he said.
Inspired by his success, Mohamud is determined to represent his country in global athletic competitions if given the chance to train further. He expressed gratitude for the recognition he received from Mandera County, including congratulations from local leaders and social media.
Accompanied by his school headteacher, Abdi Shukri, the 14-year-old Grade 6 student called for support to fulfill his ambitions. “What is the purpose of school competitions if our leaders do not help us develop our talents? Do they want to see us waste away in our villages?” he questioned.
Mohamud’s mother, Halima Adan, is proud of her son’s achievements and hopes he receives the necessary support to excel further, as echoed by his headteacher.
