Uganda Sports Press Association crowned the Rwenzori Table tennis player and Swimmer of the year 2014 at a brief ceremony held at Imperial Royale Hotel on April 28.
Gilton Chelibe and Nabil Saleh are the Rwenzori table tennis players of the year and Saleh are swimmer of the year respectively, they were awarded separately as the policy for the sponsors is they can not associate minors with alcohol.
17 year old Chelibe goes to Mbogo College School he won the 2014 National Schools Championship. He also emerged victorious at the 2014 East Africa Schools Championships where he was names the Most Valuable Player and summed up his glorious 2014 by winning the Daima Open Championship in Kenya.
” I thank my coach at the Table Tennis Federation for his time and skills . And to USPA and the sponsors of this award” Chelibe said after receiving his award.
Saleh, who won nine individual gold medals and scored a total of 54 points to be crowned best swimmer in the 12 and under age category at the CANA III and IV swimming championships last year that Uganda hosted.
“I’m grateful to my parents and the Uganda Swimming Federation . I will represent Uganda again in this year’s CANA Zone 3&4 in Luanda, Angola and hopes for the best results” 13 year old Saleh said after receiving his award.
Rwenzori swimmer of the year Nabil Saleh(left) and Gilton Chelibe with their awards at the Imperial Royale Hotel Photo credits: Aisha Nakato
He won gold in 200m Individual Medley, 200m Freestyle, 200m Backstroke, 50m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly, 100m freestyle,100m Backstroke and 100m Butterfly in an event where Uganda fielded a record high 38 swimmers and put up its best ever performance at the regional event.
Uganda amassed 1,375 points and won 31 medals. The annual Nile Special Uganda Sports Press Association annual gala awards will be held at the Imperial Royale Hotel, were various sports sportsmen and women will be awarded at a colourful ceremony.