Speaker Among hails Dr. Aporu Okol for his role in sports

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among has hailed the late Dr. Aporu Okol for his great role in sports development in the country.

In her speech delivered by the Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang during the closure of this year’s 30th edition of Dr. Aporu Okol's memorial volleyball tournament at Kumi Booma grounds on Sunday, Anita praised the late Dr. Aporu Okol for being an indispensable volleyball attacker.

According to the Speaker, the late was also a great blocker, an excellent court cover, and a player with great service and reception.

“In addition to being an excellent sportsman, Dr. Aporu was an outstanding Civil Servant and a Politician, rising from a local Government Veterinary Officer to a position of Deputy Minister of Animal Industry and Fisheries in 1986,” she said.

Therefore, we have the onus to keep alive the legacy of such a legend, through this tournament and exemplary leadership, aspects that he considered dear as he lived.

She said the 11th Parliament is committed and determined to support the Sports sector through the allocation of adequate funds and appropriate legislation to ensure the growth of the Sector.

“This commitment has already been demonstrated in the successful bidding for the AFCON 2027 and allocating resources towards the construction of sports facilities like stadiums. We commit to continuously increase the budgetary allocations to the Sports sector and reach out to the sports fraternity”, Anita said.

However, Peter Ogwang while giving his remarks as the sports minister directed the Kumi district local government to allocate 10 acres of land for the creation of a multipurpose stadium.

“Using my docket as the State Minister of Sports, I want to take this opportunity to direct the political leadership of Kumi district to allocate land for the establishment of sporting facilities. This move is aimed at promoting and developing sporting activities in the area. 

Ogwang contends that without available land, the ministry cannot establish any sporting grounds, let alone source funding for their development. The ministry is therefore requesting the districts to provide titled land that is properly mapped out and in the required size. 

Joseph Opio Ekodeu, the Sports Officer of Kumi District, expressed support for the initiative, saying that the availability of sports grounds will help districts to identify and nurture sports talent within their communities. He promised that his district would ensure that land is made available. 

A total of 84 teams which were placed in different categories primary, secondary, clubs, universities, and corporates took part in the tournament.  

The tournament saw Bazaar and Booma North winning the boys and girls trophies under the primary categories, at the secondary level, Bukedea Comprehensive Schools won double, 

Under  the women's club  category  Busia Volleyball Club crowned champions and Centenary Bank won the  corporate overall  trophy