The George Brown College Badminton program is pleased to announce the addition of Brian Kasirye to their 2021-22 roster.
“My dream since childhood was to continue my studies and badminton career outside my country of Uganda,” Kasirye stated. “Joining the badminton program at GBC is not by accident or mistake, rather it is fate to me because I grew up playing badminton at the age of eight and I use the sport of badminton as ignition towards my goals.”
A big reason why Kasirye decided to move across the world to enroll at George Brown College and compete for the Huskies come September was a recommendation from a recent Husky graduate.
“It came to my knowledge that my childhood friend, [2020 alumni] Areej Shalwani, was part of the Huskies badminton team,” Kasirye said. “He told me about the Huskies team being the Provincial Badminton Champions in Ontario, so I felt I could be a good help for the Huskies to continue their success.”
The 19-year-old has already made quite a name for himself in the badminton world. He is a five-time Uganda National Champion in the Men’s Singles category and has also competed in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles on the international stage.
Kasirye’s lengthy resume already includes a Mixed Doubles gold medal at the 2021 Uganda International Championships, a Men’s Singles silver medal at the 2018 African Youth Games, and a Men's Doubles gold medal and a Mixed Doubles silver medal at the 2018 Uganda Junior International, just to name a few. Competing for his home country of Uganda has always been an honour that will never get old.
“Representing my country of Uganda on the international stage is a dream come true and it’s an amazing feeling. I am a role model that inspires the youth in Uganda to join the sport of badminton, especially from my home village,” he explained. “I have managed to reach different countries and [meet] different prominent personalities all over the world.”
Over the last three seasons, the Huskies program has claimed the school's first CCAA National banner, eight CCAA National medals, 11 OCAA Provincial medals, and five men’s and women’s OCAA Team Championships. Adding a caliber athlete of Kasirye’s pedigree to an already dominant program puts the team in an even stronger position to continue recent success.
“I am excited to bring Kasirye into the program because he brings another strong international player into the fold. He is very passionate and dedicated to improving his game and his studies," head coach Will Schram explained. "He is a very athletic and consistent player. It is always great to add another strong player to the team, it helps to add depth and passion.”
He will be enrolled in the three-year Business Administration – Human Resources Advanced Diploma program come September. In addition to looking forward to improving his game on the court, he is also excited to push himself in the classroom to prepare for life after badminton.
“GBC provides students with opportunities to work off-campus alongside industry professionals in applied research and field education opportunities,” he explained. “I hope to work hard and be in a better position to provide for my family.”
The most success Kasirye has attained while representing his country was at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where he made the quarter-finals in Men’s Singles. He has already set a goal to compete for Uganda on the biggest stage in the world.
“I look forward to [representing] my country of Uganda and Africa at large in 2024 Olympic games Paris,” Kasirye said.
For more information on George Brown Badminton contact Varsity Coordinator Mark Couch at mark.couch@georgebrown.ca.
