KAMPALA, August 14, 2023 - Monitor Publications George Katongole and Next Media's Gerald Mutumba were the recipients of the Plascon - USPA Media Awards for July . This was at the Uganda Sports Press Association - USPA monthly assembly held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on Monday morning. Katongole, with his story 'Berlin Special Olympics over, but fight for inclusion continues' beat colleagues at Daily Monitor in Makthum Muziransa and Andrew Mwanghuya's.
"I want to dedicate this story to all the parents who take care of children and athletes with special needs," Katongole said in his acceptance speech. "It is not easy, it is very challenging and demanding, but they try their level best, and they need to be applauded," Katongole added.
Mutumba's story; 'Meet Chess Prodigy Alvin chasing a dream from the ghetto to the World' was equally touching, and his acceptance speech was just the tip of the iceberg on the story.
"A single father is raising this young man; they are living in a house that is in the middle of a swamp down there in the ghettos of Kamwonkya. But that has not stopped him from dreaming and wanting to be someone important someday through the game of chess," Mutumba added. For the Nile Special USPA Sports Personality for July, it was Para Badminton Player Sarah Nazziwa who stood out.
She won two bronze medals at the Uganda International Para-Badminton, two gold medals, and one silver at the Para Africa Badminton at Lugogo. Nazziwa collected 305 votes, beating Halima Nakaayi was second with 305 votes for setting two national records last month. Stanbic Black Pirates, who managed 295 votes for winning the Stone City and Kitgum 7s circuits in July were third.
The Supportive / Assist award winner was She Cranes kits man John Mark Ssentongo; he collected 355 points beating Stanbic Black Pirates head coach Marvin Odongo who garnered 295 votes. St. Noah Girls Senior Secondary Schools captain Sarah Babirye scooped the Young Talent Award for guiding her team to bronze at the World Schools Championship in Morocco Rabat.
Babirye scored thrice and assisted twice of the 21 goals St. Noah scored in the competition. At the same time, City Tyres were recognized for their immense contribution towards sports and USPA, particularly with the Sporting Award.
Winners in Summary
Nile Special Sports Personality for July: Sarah Nazziwa Supportive / Assist Award: John Mark Ssentogo
Young Talent Award: Sarah Babirye
Sporting Award: City Tyres
Winners for the Plascon – USPA Awards | July 2023
Broadcast
Meet Chess prodigy Alvin chasing a dream from the ghetto to the world By Gerald Mutumba - Next Media
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpAKf4qjfko
Print
Berlin Special Olympics is over, but fight for inclusion continues By George Katongole- Monitor Publications
🔗 https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/score/berlin-special-olympics-over- but-fight-for-inclusion-continues-4291170
