4/20/2005 8:00:00 AM GMT
Source: allAfrica.com
Ugandan weightlifter Noah Sowobi, a Christian until last week, has converted to Islam at the first Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia.
Sowobi announced his conversion at the Medina Mosque.
"Sowobi is yet to get a Muslim name but has already undergone the initial stages of becoming a Muslim, which include Muslims 'shehada' said Uganda's chief de mission Salim Musoke.
"He has been allowed to visit the holy land and has been given an expense paid trip back here for Hajj next year," he said.
Musoke added that Sowobi will be circumcised when he returns to Kampala.
About 6,500 athletes from 54 Islamic countries participated in the 11-day sporting games with the aim of projecting a more positive image of Islam to the world.
The games, ending today, took place in the Saudi cities of Mecca, Medina, Jeddah and Taif.