NSSF-USPA Junior awards point to bright future of sport

L-R: Stav Orland, Tracy Naluwooza, Kirabo Namutebi, Doreen Asiimwe, Aviv Orland, Winnie Alaro, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, and Stephanie Nampiina pose with their USPA-NSSF Junior awards ceremony at Imperial Royale Hotel,. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE

There was a lot to reflect on during the NSSF-USPA awards ceremony at Imperial Royale Hotel on Friday morning but everything led the gathering back to the supporting, protecting and grooming more youngsters to shape the future of Ugandan sports.
As different stakeholders took turns on the mic, the message centred on appreciating starlets, parents and coaches who are the cogs of local sport. About 11 athletes below the age of 18 found their way into Scarlet hall, a wing of the Imperial Royale Hotel, to receive awards they had won from as back as 2015.
Graced by chief guest National Council of Sports (NCS) chairman Bosco Onyik, Uganda Sports Press Association president Patrick Kanyomozi, Uganda Cycling Association President, Sam ‘Mahaba’ Muwonge and National Social Security Fund’s Victor Karamagi, the awards’ star attraction was swimmer Kirabo Namutebi who picked her two awards. Her 2016 and 2018 heroics both locally and internationally gave her the accolades to make it three now with the first having come in 2013.
“‘When you recognise somebody at this age, you give them stamina to continue. Thank you USPA. These are tomorrow’s sports stars and therefore we can only keep pushing them for a good future,” said Onyik. His messaged was echoed by Kirabo’s mother and Uganda Volleybal federation (UVF) President Hadijah Namanda. “To all the winners here, it’s easier to get to the top but it’s harder to stay up there therefore don’t relax at whatever you are doing because there is still a lot more to achieve in the future,” she said.
Siblings Aviv Orland and Stav Orland also picked up awards for best motocross riders in motocross awards of 2016 and 2018, before Aviv went public with plans of competing with the world’s best in USA this may.
Kanyomozi also reminded the audience that USPA was making 50 years of existence and this one the first of many more activities to celebrate the golden jubilee this year.