Heer Usadadiya beat a host of competitors from various sports to be crowned the Indian Association Uganda sports achiever of the year award.
The Uganda national team and Gators Swim Club athlete has had a splendid year so far, setting national records in his 13-14 years age group at the Swimming Federation (USF) National Championships and League events.
The recognition came to him during the India Day celebrations at Lugogo Cricket Oval that attracted over 10,000 people. They were held to mark the Indian Association’s 101 years of existence and India’s 76th Independence anniversary.
In League One in February, Heer topped the 13-14 years’ boys age group in the 800m and 200m freestyle events held at International School of Uganda (ISU) Lubowa from February 25 to 26, 2023.
The 14 year old student, who later expects to pursue a career in exercise and sports science, clocked nine minutes, 42 seconds and 61 microseconds (9:42.61) in 800m free to record the best time by any male swimmer across all age groups.
He then won the 400m free (4:43.24) event in his age group during League Two held two months later at Olympia Hostel.
And then topped up the performance at the USF Nationals by winning the 800m freestyle (9:38.16), 400m free (4:41.59), 200m free (2:12.65), 100m backstroke (1:06.48) and 200m back (2:21.71) to top his very competitive age group.
Out of the pool, Heer also combined with his parents at the start of April to start up the Angel Aquatics Foundation – one that offers a platform for children with special needs and those living with physical disability an opportunity to come out of their shells through swimming.