Thomas Kawere | |
---|---|
Born | Uganda | 1 June 1927
Died | 5 December 2021 | (aged 94)
Nationality | Ugandan |
Occupation(s) | Boxer, Coach |
Years active | 1945-1960 (as a boxer), 1959-2021 (as a coach) |
Known for | First East African to win a medal in an international boxing tournament |
Notable work | Silver medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games |
Awards | 'Service to Country' award (2016) |
Thomas Kawere (June 1, 1927 - December 5, 2021) also known as Tom Kawere was a Ugandan boxer and coach, known for his contributions to the sport both as a competitor and a mentor. Kawere was notably the first East African to win a medal in an international boxing tournament, securing a silver medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales. [1]
Thomas Kawere was born on June 1, 1927. He attended Namilyango College, where his engagement with boxing began in 1945. Despite being an all-rounder, doing well in football, cricket, and athletics, Kawere decided to focus on boxing after a cricket injury. He captained the Namilyango College boxing team from 1945 to 1949. [2] [3]
Kawere's boxing talent became more apparent. In 1958, he achieved a significant milestone by winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, making him the first East African to accomplish such a feat on an international platform. [3] [4] Kawere's skill in the ring was enhanced by his unique footwork, a technique he often attributed to his background in dancing. He claimed that good dancers tend to have the footwork required for boxing success. [4] [5]
After retiring from competitive boxing, Kawere transitioned to coaching, playing a significant role in the development of Ugandan boxing. He served as Uganda’s national boxing coach from 1959, mentoring boxers like Ayub Kalule and John 'The Beast' Mugabi. [2] [3] Kawere's influence extended beyond Uganda; during the 1960 Rome Olympics, he allowed a young Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) to train with the Ugandan team, recognizing the benefits of this exchange for both parties involved. [2] [3]
Throughout his life, Kawere received numerous recognition for his contributions to sports. In 2016, he was presented with the 'Service to Country' award at a Namilyango College alumni event, acknowledging his lasting impact on Ugandan boxing and sports culture. [3]
Kawere was known for his vibrant personality and dedication to mentoring young athletes. He passed away in 2021 at nearly 100 years old, leaving behind a legacy as the grandfather of Ugandan boxing. [2]
Thomas Kawere | |
---|---|
Born | Uganda | 1 June 1927
Died | 5 December 2021 | (aged 94)
Nationality | Ugandan |
Occupation(s) | Boxer, Coach |
Years active | 1945-1960 (as a boxer), 1959-2021 (as a coach) |
Known for | First East African to win a medal in an international boxing tournament |
Notable work | Silver medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games |
Awards | 'Service to Country' award (2016) |
Thomas Kawere (June 1, 1927 - December 5, 2021) also known as Tom Kawere was a Ugandan boxer and coach, known for his contributions to the sport both as a competitor and a mentor. Kawere was notably the first East African to win a medal in an international boxing tournament, securing a silver medal at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff, Wales. [1]
Thomas Kawere was born on June 1, 1927. He attended Namilyango College, where his engagement with boxing began in 1945. Despite being an all-rounder, doing well in football, cricket, and athletics, Kawere decided to focus on boxing after a cricket injury. He captained the Namilyango College boxing team from 1945 to 1949. [2] [3]
Kawere's boxing talent became more apparent. In 1958, he achieved a significant milestone by winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, making him the first East African to accomplish such a feat on an international platform. [3] [4] Kawere's skill in the ring was enhanced by his unique footwork, a technique he often attributed to his background in dancing. He claimed that good dancers tend to have the footwork required for boxing success. [4] [5]
After retiring from competitive boxing, Kawere transitioned to coaching, playing a significant role in the development of Ugandan boxing. He served as Uganda’s national boxing coach from 1959, mentoring boxers like Ayub Kalule and John 'The Beast' Mugabi. [2] [3] Kawere's influence extended beyond Uganda; during the 1960 Rome Olympics, he allowed a young Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) to train with the Ugandan team, recognizing the benefits of this exchange for both parties involved. [2] [3]
Throughout his life, Kawere received numerous recognition for his contributions to sports. In 2016, he was presented with the 'Service to Country' award at a Namilyango College alumni event, acknowledging his lasting impact on Ugandan boxing and sports culture. [3]
Kawere was known for his vibrant personality and dedication to mentoring young athletes. He passed away in 2021 at nearly 100 years old, leaving behind a legacy as the grandfather of Ugandan boxing. [2]