Apio follows mother's footsteps as Thunderbirds MVP
Apio, the Thunderbirds captain, received the MVP award for steering her team to victory in the women's rugby league.
Phillies Apio (C) With her mother Winnie Atyang (R) receives sh1m cash prize from Uganda Rugby Secretary Peter Odongo
Keeping her mother's rugby legacy alive is top of the agenda for female rugby player Phillies Apio, who was named the Thunderbirds Women Rugby Club's Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Apio, the Thunderbirds captain, received the MVP award for steering her team to victory in the women's rugby league. Gladys Atim was awarded the Most Upcoming Player at a dinner held at Kyadondo Rugby Club on Saturday.
Apio, 21, is a student at MTAC pursuing a diploma in Clearing and Forwarding. She said winning the award has motivated her to work even harder.
Apio and her sister Tamara Achen are striving to fill the shoes of their mother, Winnie Atyang, a former Thunderbirds player and long-time national team star.
The Thunderbirds team celebrates with the League trophy at their awards dinner at Kyadondo. PHOTOS:Johnson Were
"I feel blessed to be recognised as MVP. This will motivate me to train harder to remain at both the club and national team, the Lady Rugby Cranes," Apio said.
Their mother, Atyang, said she feels humbled to see her rugby legacy live on and her dream of inspiring young women to play rugby come true.
"As a mother, I am so happy and proud that my legacy is being recognised while I am still alive," Atyang said.
Atyang was part of the 2009 Lady Rugby Cranes squad that represented Uganda at the World Cup in Dubai. Other players on that team included Mary Choita, Prossy Nakakande, Brenda Kayiyi, Christine Kizito, Charlotte Mudoola, Josephin Namayega, Harriet Kayonjo, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Helen Buteme, Aliya Adania, and Fortunate Irakunda.
Meanwhile, the Thunderbirds Rugby Club says safeguarding players and improving their welfare is its top priority as it aims to win more trophies.
The club has launched a Covenant partnership, through which fans and friends can raise funds for player welfare.
Club chairperson Warren Ssenfuka emphasised the need for safeguarding players in line with the Uganda Rugby Union and World Rugby safeguarding policies.
The policy ensures that children, young people, and vulnerable adults are protected from physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, and harassment in any rugby-related environment.