Pool lands 1.7bn Nile Breweries deal

By Michael Nsubuga 

A brand new Toyota Progres car is up for grabs for the winner of the 2013 Nile Special National Open Pool championship.

This follows a sh1.7bn, three-year title sponsorship package to the Pool Association of Uganda, announced by Nile Special brand manager Timothy Kayondo, during a press conference at Rock gardens on Thursday.

Besides, all former champions and the 2013 winner will all be decorated with championship Pool blazers an equivalent of the Masters Jacket in international golf.

This will be on top of the sh2m cash, 2 pool tables and trophy for the champ and medals for each of the two regional winners from the sixty qualifying centres.

While addressing the media during the launch, Nile Special brand manager Timothy Kayondo said their ten-year partnership with pool was to try and ensure that the sport grows as the brand itself.

“There is a close synergy between the brand and the sport because the sport is played in bars where the brand is sold. We want to get the champion men out there because Nile is a champion beer and whoever wins will automatically become our brand ambassador for one year,” Kayondo stated.

PAU chairman Farouk Wamala Kisuze thanked the sponsors for growing the sport in the country.

“This year we have a strategy of growing the sport, we want to take advantage of this sponsorship to reach many players in all parts of the country and teach others what Pool is. We shall also use this tournament to tap in the best talent for seeding so that we can beef up the Uganda team for international tournaments,” Kisuze said.

Defending champion Gumikiriza who was at the press conference promised to do all it takes to defend his title.

Over 2500 players are expected to compete in the tournament that cues off on May 24 at Kansanga and at Capital Pub Kabalagala, before games at Out@Volts , Millenium Hotel and at Shooters Pub on Entebbe road the following day.

Two players will qualify for the final from each of the 60 playing centres. They will be joined by the eight seeded players in the grand finale to be played at Lugogo.