Kipsiro takes sports prize for second year

Apr 19, 2009

MOSES Kipsiro added yet another accolade to his ever growing list of achievements by becoming the first individual to retain the prestigious USPA Sportsman of the Year award. And before the cheers could fade out at the uganda telecom-sponsored gala, Kipsi

By James Bakama
and Swalley Kenyi

MOSES Kipsiro added yet another accolade to his ever growing list of achievements by becoming the first individual to retain the prestigious USPA Sportsman of the Year award. And before the cheers could fade out at the uganda telecom-sponsored gala, Kipsiro promised to further stretch the record.

“I don’t have words to explain this but I can tell you I now want to win it for the third time. It is very good to be the best sportsman. I want it again. I can assure you I’ll get it,” said an excited Kispiro at Hotel Africana’s Nile Hall.

A medal at the World Athletics Championship in Berlin in August would virtually guarantee Kipsiro the treble he craves for. Only the national soccer team, Cranes, had previously won back-to-back titles in 1989 and 1990.

Track stars Dorcus Inzikuru and Boniface Kiprop have also each won the title twice but not consecutively.
Speaker of Parliament Edward Sekandi flanked by USPA patron sports state minister Charles Bakkabulindi crowned Kipsiro.

The athlete couldn’t have had better company than his wife Bena, who was however visibly tense in the countdown to the announcement.

The national women’s rugby side Lady Cranes and golfer Flavia Namakula came second and third respectively while tennis player Duncan Mugabe finished fourth.

Outstanding monthly performers in 2008 and top sportsmen in 25 disciplines also walked away with awards from the 23rd edition of the annual event.

Retired rally driver Sam Sali was recognized with the second legends award.
Boxer Leo Rwabwogo, a two-time Olympic medallist who got the maiden award in this category last year, passed away in January.

City Tyres, who fund youth football and some USPA activities, were recognised for their sustained effort to support sports at the grassroots level.

Uganda telecom chief commercial marketing officer Hans Paulsen, overwhelmed by the success of the function, effectively announced his company’s commitment to continue sponsoring sports press association USPA.

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