More than 50 insurance companies took part in the 11th Insurance Industry Sports Gala, with sector leaders using the event to promote workplace wellness, teamwork and stronger collaboration across the industry. 52 insurance firms participated in this year’s gala, up from 47 last year, despite a slight drop in individual participants due to concerns over the Ebola outbreak.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) acting chief executive officer Protazio Sunday said the annual event is designed to improve employees’ health while strengthening relationships across the insurance sector.
“The idea behind the Insurance Sports Gala is to bring different industry players together to break the monotony of work while promoting healthy competition. A healthy body and a healthy mind are essential for the success of any business,” Sunday said.
Held under the theme Play Strong, Stay Protected, the gala featured football, netball, tug-of-war, athletics and a special CEOs’ sprint that attracted some of the industry’s top executives.
Sunday said the increased number of participating companies reflected growing support for the initiative, although fewer individuals turned up because of public health concerns.
“I am particularly encouraged by the participation of chief executive officers. It is important for leaders to demonstrate that employee wellness matters,” he said.
He urged companies that did not participate to join next year’s edition, saying the sports gala offers more than competition by providing a platform for networking, collaboration and industry-wide reflection.
Sunday also challenged insurance professionals and the wider public to embrace regular exercise, warning that sedentary lifestyles are contributing to preventable non-communicable diseases.
“When you are healthy, you perform better. Make time to exercise, remain active and live longer,” he said.
Insurance Training College Principal Saul Sseremba said this year’s gala attracted the highest number of participating chief executive officers since the competition was launched in 2015. He said the event continues to strengthen relationships among insurers while fostering healthy competition and a shared commitment to growing insurance penetration in Uganda.
Vice-chairperson of the Insurance Training College board Moses Ntahoba commended companies for supporting the annual event, saying it has become an important platform for promoting employee wellness and industry unity.
Organisers said preparations for next year’s edition will begin soon, with expectations of attracting even more companies and participants.
At the end of the competitions, ICEA Lion Uganda emerged as the overall champions with 615 points, taking home the winners’ trophy presented by Dr Sande.
Prudential Uganda finished second with 542.5 points, while Old Mutual Insurance Company took third place with 485 points.
Winners by Category
• Football: ICEA Lion
• Netball: ICEA Lion
• Basketball: ICEA Lion
• Volleyball: Jubilee Insurance
• Swimming: Prudential Uganda
• Tug of War: Prudential Uganda
• Sack Race: Alliance Insurance
• Bottle Balancing: Old Mutual Insurance Company
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