Kataka Arts Gymnastics Academy

Your generous donations help us support the children of Kataka Arts in Uganda.

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Hi! My name is Ikechukwu Ogwuegbu and my purpose is to tell the story of the children of Kataka and help raise funds that will allow them to have equitable opportunities in the sport of gymnastics and in life.

When I first saw videos of these kids I was not only impressed by their sheer talent but also astonished by the conditions in which they were practicing. In a trash dump in the capital city of Uganda, these children are doing advanced-level gymnastics moves that would be challenging for even an experienced gymnast with formal training and equipment.

Rather than letting their lack of resources stop them from pursuing their dreams, they instead focus daily on what really matters, working together to improve their skills with the hope of one day being recognized for their hard work and dedication. They are coached by truly amazing individuals who created Kataka Arts to provide the children in Kampala, Uganda with an outlet to express themselves and avoid trouble that surrounds them such as drugs and violence. Coach Derrick, Coach Eries, and Coach Faizo are former professional tumblers and acrobats in Uganda. Coach Derrick recognized the impact that gymnastics had on his life so he decided to pay it forward and began teaching kids the sport of gymnastics. What started small grew rapidly as more and more kids joined and developed a great passion for the sport.

Derrick is the most selfless person I have ever come in contact with. He pours his time, money, and love into these children daily. He cares so much about them to the extent that he took in orphans in the community that would come to practice and they now live with him. The conditions in which they live are not ideal but they make it work and are grateful for the stability and knowing that someone cares about them.

I can't help but ask myself..."what if?". What if these kids grew up with the same access to resources and opportunities that I was handed here in the U.S.? I know for a fact, each one of these amazing children has the potential to have a lasting impact on this world and even possibly be the next greatest gymnast that the world has ever seen.

These children do not want pity or sympathy; they just want a fair opportunity. Through talking to Coach Derrick over the course of this year he has expressed that although he is trying his best he is struggling. He has very little to give but he makes sure that the kids are fed before and after they practice. I try my best to help by sending my own money periodically as he asks but I know so much more can be done. He uses makeshift equipment to instruct the kids and holds all of their practices outdoors in various locations because of a lack of resources and infrastructure. Many of the children aren't able to attend school for various reasons so he tries his best to teach them English and Mathematics whenever he has time but you can only imagine how challenging that is.

It takes a village to raise a child. I know that the power of community is something that cannot be underestimated. With your help, my goal is to do the following things.

The children of Kataka did not choose their situations or the circumstances that affect their lives but we have the choice to help them in their respective journeys to becoming the best versions of themselves.

THANK YOU FOR HELP!

Ikechukwu Ogwuegbu