Many a sporting association world over would strive to attain a healthy and positive working rapport with the fourth estate (media).
Like many brides will confess at a marriage reception, a successful dating process has always called for ultimate patience with fully enticed antics.
Some of Uganda’s sports Associations and Federations have trod the same path in the name of cementing great working bond with the media.
Majority of them, still in the lumbering dormitory of arrogance, ignorance and sheer lack of direction ought to fall in bed with the Federation of Uganda Motor Sport Associations (FMU) for a quick pep talk.
FMU organized the first ever sports education workshop for sports reporters meant to further highlight on how best the sport of motorsport should be reported about in the print and electronic media as Dusman Okee, Vice President, FMU explained to the reporters at Festino City.
We are here to share ideas but also to help you with the skills on how best to report about this darling motor sport in Uganda
In a typical spirit of creating a safe environment, taking from scientific law of magnetic poles – whose magnetic appeal to opposites will always be attractive, FMU has brought the media closer as Okee highlighted.
Sometimes, the media neglects the run up to motorsport events but jumps onto the bandwagon when disaster strikes. But in all circumstances, we still need the media much as you need FMU
The sports reporters were sensitized on safety, undertook technical rally aspects with theory and practical sessions as well as the challenging role of navigating for each of the reporters who attended.
There was drama during the practical sessions as Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga ‘kissed death’ when his crew with driver Ismail Ortega over turned during a competitive circuit for the media members.
“Now I will respect the rally crews but this has been a great learning experience worth remembering” panting endlessly with shock, Kiyonga remarked as he was rescued.
The reporters were also briefed on the various terminologies used in the ‘rally bible’.
FMU becomes the second sports body this year to treat journalists to a work.
Earlier this year, the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) organized a media workshop at Lugogo.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) promised media workshop in July never materialized and it remains one of the most awaited menus on the agenda, only rivaling Jesus of Nazareth’s second eminent coming.