The 2023 Bankers’ Gala climaxed on Sunday with the indoor games taking center stage at the Lugogo indoor stadium.
The games were a continuation of last Sunday’s outdoor games that took place at the Kyambogo University Sports Grounds.
Led by Captain Louis Agwa, from the treasury department, the I&M Bank basketball team brushed off a challenge from FINCA in the quarters, and went ahead to floor Stanbic Bank in the semifinals.
The final pitted them against a strong Post Bank side. The game drew attention as the two best sides had bragging rights to fight for.
For I&M Bank, a win was a perfect opportunity to make a name for themselves as the underdogs that worked and played hard, to emerge the basketball champions of the annual competitions.
I&M Bank’s point guard- Gerard Ayiko, took matters into his own hands and he was arguably the tournament’s best player, as his remarkable skills made the team almost unplayable, with the backcourt delivering in the paint.
In the end, the opponents could not match I&M Bank’s tenacity, as they strolled to Gold with a four-point advantage.
“Firstly, we attribute our victory to God. Secondly, we worked hard as a team, we played as one solid unit, which helped us communicate and coordinate our moves effectively. We are grateful to the I&M Bank management for entrusting us to represent the institution, and for being here physically to cheer us all through the games. Lastly, I want to dedicate this trophy to all our esteemed customers; We are on your side,” said Agwa.
It was a tale of punching above their weight, as I&M Bank had entered the basketball competition as underdogs. However, according to Agwa, that even offered the team deeper inspiration to give their all every time they got on the court.
Agwwa is optimistic that they can defend the title when the games come calling next year.
The bank’s top management led by Acting Managing Director Sam Ntulume, Chief Finance Officer Timothy Musiime, and Eva Nassazi- Head of Strategy, attended and participated in some of the indoor games on the last leg of the competitions last Sunday.
Away from basketball, I&M Bank also managed medals in the CEO walk challenge that had Godfrey Odoch win. They also scored highly in bottle balancing and the quiz challenge, and managed to go as far as quarterfinals in badminton, volleyball, table tennis, darts and chess.