When emcee Hamza Lubwama announced the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2015 National Volleyball League as George Aporu this weakend at City Royale Hotel in Kampala, the latter’s mother, Christine Amongin did like the rest of the fraternity with a congratulatory hand-clap.
But it was not just a routine hand-clap for the State minister for Teso Affairs. Hon Amongin’s last born had just emerged the best volleyball player for the second time in four years and she couldn’t hide her excitement.
“It gives me great joy as a mother to see that at least there is a child of Aporu (Edward -RIP) who plays the game so well just like his father and is recognised in the country,” Amongin told Sunday Monitor.
“It was also the fourth straight time that George Aporu was being nominated for the most prestigious individual award by Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) and the second time he was scooping it, the other being 2013. “As a family we are proud that we have a national icon among us and as a mother I always pray that his game continues to grow.
“I am delighted that his star never stops shining,” added Amongin, who also doubles as the UVF patron.
Earlier in the week, Aporu had been voted by the Uganda Sports Press Association (Uspa) as the Male Volleyball Player of the Year, a feat he has also claimed since 2012.
The national hero concurred that his source of inspiration and driving force was his father, the late George Edward Aporu-Okol, who passed away in June 1992. “I am always inspired by my father’s exploits. I never had a chance to watch him play but I am told he was a great player,” said the young Aporu before adding.
“Winning these awards is a great feeling, especially if you work tirelessly to keep yourself at the top.”
“Though I always feel that my fellow teammates should share my joy with me, because without them I can’t be the player I am.”
The Nemostars’ skipper also walked away with the best server and best attacker gongs on a night the Kololo-based side dominated the men’s awards. Tom Paul Amou and Smith Okumu won the best blocker and best setter accolades respectively. KAVC’s Emmanuel Elanyu and Sport-S’ Stephen Oguti walked away with the best receiver and best defender. Lady’s MVP was Margaret Namyalo who also walked away with the attacker plaque.
AWARD WINNERS
MVP
M: George Aporu – Nemostars
W: Margaret Namyalo – Ndejje Elites
Best Defender
M: Stephen Oguti – Sport-S
W: Christine Alupo – Ndejje
Best Blocker
M: Tom Paul Amou – Nemostars
W: Zaina Kagoya – VVC
Best Attacker
M: George Aporu – Nemostars
W: Margaret Namalyo – Ndejje Elites
Best Setter
M: Smith Okumu – Nemostars
W: Milly Laker – VVC
Best receiver
M: Emmanuel Elanyu – KAVC
W: Sharon Pajije – VVC
Best Server
M: George Aporu – Nemostars
W: Belinda Jepkirui – Ndejje Elites
Coach of the Year
Hannington Nsubuga – Vision Volleyball Camp
Life Time Achievement Award Catherine Echoku Amuge – KCCA
Clive Kyazze
from Uganda
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