The Pool Association of Uganda will soon benefit from full Government Support, the State Minister for Education and Sports in charge of Sports Hon Charles Bakabulindi has said.
“I promise that as Government, we are ready to come out and offer all the necessary support to the development of the game of pool in the country. This I believe is another crucial step in nation building. The 10 years gone at PAU should be useful to help you pose a challenge for the next 10 years to come”. Bakabulindi said in a statement read for him by the National Council of Sports General Secretary, Jasper Aligawesa, who represented the minister at the Glamorous Pool Association Annual Dinner at Oasis Restaurant, Lugogo on Friday.
This revelation was received by wild chants from the lively gathering that also included Presidential Advisor, Sarah Nkonge Muwonge, Uganda’s Reggae king, Bebe Cool, the pool club players, officials and well wishers.
PAU official, David Mugabe revealed that there will soon be anti-doping tests for all the pool players in a bid to strengthen on the ever growing pool brand in the country. He also urged all the teams to maintain maximum discipline and well as introducing the game to the youth in schools and other tertiary learning institutions.
At this Nile Special and Pepsi sponsored dinner, the first ever pool magazine, “PAU AT 10 YEARS” and the Association logo were officially launched. Outstanding personalities and teams for 2012 season were rewarded with glittering plaques, trophies and cash.
Team of the year, Skin Samona was awarded 2M, Vicky Namuyanja was crowned the ladies Most Valuable Player, while 2012 National Champion Alfred “Black Sheep” Gumisiriza took the men’s top honour. Jinja based umpire, Muluya Godfrey was the best official while 18 year old Ssewankambo was voted youngest play. Bob Menani received the life achievement award for his contribution in the growth of pool in the country.
Focus will now shift to the upcoming Pool executive committee polls as the entire Pool fraternighty will next Sunday converge at the Association’s Annual General Meeting in Ntinda.