By Robert Kayindi James
Ivan Byekwaso aka Mr. Universe yesterday won the September 2015 Nile Special/USPA Sports Personality award according to a decision made by the sports journalists.
The 37-year-old body builder won the award on a count of 685 votes beating badminton player Edwin Ekiring who managed to gather 465 votes during the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) monthly meeting held at the Imperial Royale Hotel (Kampala), Scarlet Hall on Monday, 5th October 2015.
It should be remembered that Byekwaso beat American and Australian opponents to win the gold medal at the 67th edition of the global event held at the Zach Topfer theatre in South Lamar, Austin Texas, United States of America last month.
The sports journalists also applauded other personalities and sporting groups for their hard work and triumph last month.
Among these were Ssingo ssaza and Mbogo clan for winning the Buganda annual competitions of Masaza Cup and Bika tournament respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, USPA president Sabiti Muwanga expressed his gratitude about Byekwaso’s triump before urging the Uganda body building federation to strengthen its grass roots; “I am happy for Ivan Byekwaso. As an individual, he has excelled but I urge the federation to build structures for the game to produce more of Byekwaso’s kinds. Last year, as we voted for the best sports personality of the year per discipline, we omitted body building because the federation was not in the right order. I believe they can inspire more youngsters.”
The body builder will be crowned at a dinner whose date will be communicated soon by USPA.
Nile Special / USPA Sports Personality of September 2015:
Winner: Ivan Byekwaso (685votes)
Runner up: Edwin Ekiring (465votes)
Email Robert: Robert.k.circles@gmail.com
