Why We Exist
Young athletes in Uganda are overflowing with God-given potential, yet face broken pathways—limited opportunities, unstable environments, and a lack of access to positive role models or spiritual guidance. Many come from communities marked by poverty, instability, and uncertainty.
While sports give them structure, passion, and hope, most athletes lack the mentorship and discipleship they need to navigate life, shape their identity, and grow into the people God created them to be.
Without guidance, too many drift toward hopelessness, poor decisions, or wasted potential. There is a widening gap between where these athletes are today and the kingdom-impacting leaders they could become.
Athlete Bridges exists to close that gap—providing Christ-centered mentorship, discipleship, and community that transforms athletes into influential leaders on their teams, in their families, and throughout their communities.
Meet the Founder
Patrick "Patto" Oriana
Patrick Oriana is a pioneering Ugandan lacrosse coach, former national team captain, and passionate disciple-maker with a heart for using sports to transform lives. As the founder of Athlete Bridges, Patrick leads a movement dedicated to reaching athletes and communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through sports, mentorship, and intentional discipleship.
Patrick’s journey began on the field as one of Uganda’s earliest lacrosse players. He rose to become captain of the Uganda Men’s National Lacrosse Team, representing his country in multiple World Championships and inspiring a new generation of players. In 2022, he became the first Ugandan to serve as head coach of the men’s national team, guiding Uganda to the 2023 World Lacrosse Championship and playing a key role in developing the sport across East Africa.
Beyond the game, Patrick’s life has been shaped by a deep faith and a desire to see young people flourish. His own story—from humble beginnings to international competition—has given him a powerful understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by youth in underserved communities. This fuels his passion to use sport not just for competition, but as a bridge to hope, character formation, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Through Athlete Bridges, Patrick trains and mentors young athletes, equips local coaches, and builds community programs that combine athletic development with Biblical teaching and relational discipleship. Whether leading a training camp, speaking to a team, or investing one-on-one in a young athlete, Patrick’s focus remains the same: to help people encounter Christ and discover their God-given purpose.
Patrick lives in Uganda, where he continues to coach, mentor, and lead the growing movement of Athlete Bridges across schools, clubs, and communities.
