Lango MPs gift Shs5 million to Paralympic silver medalist Emong
Paralympic Games silver medallist David Emong
What you need to know:
- The MPs handed to Emong Sh5 million and a shield
- They challenged Ugandans to prioritise sports as a measure to reduce poverty and unemployment among the country’s youth
- In 1972, John Akii-Bua made history when he won Uganda’s first gold medal at the Olympic Games in Munich West Germany.
KAMPALA. Paralympic Games silver medalist David Emong, 26, continues to bask in the glory of his silver medal won in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Law makers from Lango yesterday joined thousands of Ugandans to applaud Emong for the first Paralympic medal in Uganda’s sporting history.
“We want to identify with our talented people in Lango sub-region and send a signal that achievements like this in sports are appreciated and rewarded,” said Felix Okot Ogong, the Dokolo South MP and chairperson of Lango Parliamentary Group.
The MPs handed to Emong Sh5 million and a shield.
“We decided to pay special tribute to Emong to acknowledge his achievement in the sporting field,” Mr Okot added.
Emong was the sole Uganda representative to this year’s Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he took silver in the men's T46 1500m final.
The law makers challenged Ugandans to prioritise sports as a measure to reduce poverty and unemployment among the country’s youth.
Mr Paul Amoru (NRM, Dokolo North) said there is need to identify and nurture young talent while Ms Doreen Amule (NRM, Amolatar) asked government to undertake affirmative action to support sports.
The lawmakers asked government to fast-track its promises to Mr Emong and others who have excelled and have flown the Ugandan flag high.
In 1972, John Akii-Bua made history when he won Uganda’s first gold medal at the Olympic Games in Munich West Germany.
