Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei is optimistic that his state of art training facility - The Joshua Chetegei Training Centre will be key in nurturing athletes within the Sebei region.

The 5000m Tokyo Olympic gold medallist revealed this during a ceremony in which Flutterwave, a new online payments giant boosted his fundraising campaign towards the facility with sh20m.

“I commend Flutterwave for their heart of gold towards the Joshua Cheptegei Training Centre. We launched this cause a few months ago and we are grateful there is progress. We hope to complete the facility by the end of next year to see our dream come true” A jolly Cheptegei stated.

“World over, the Sebei region is known for producing talent mainly in athletics but we have been limited by facilities. Currently, we have the Teryet high altitude centre in construction by the government which is a few meters from Cheptegei training centre. We believe the two facilities will turn into homes for nurturing many of the athletes within the region.”

The double Olympic medallist and world recorder holder of the 5km race, 15km, 5000m, and 1000m races also revealed his facility may be ready to host Team Uganda athletes preparing for the 2022 Commonwealth Games if monies are availed to the project in time.

“If more companies come on board and boost us financially, we may finish the running track by March next year such that our athletes can use it for preparation ahead of the 2022 Birmingham games,” Cheptegei said.

National Council of Sports (NCS) general Secretary Dr. Patrick Ogwel who had presided over the event commended Flutterwave for showing solidarity with Cheptegei and urged the government to construct a Sports City in the Sebei region.

“A few companies have shown interest in investing in sports but I thank Flutterwave for this solidarity. Cheptegei is a true definition of a world champion, that is why his dreams are always bigger,” Ogwel said.

Nielsimms Sangho, Flutterwave’s country manager pledged to support Cheptegei and the sports sector as they aim to help nurture talents in the country.

“We are grateful to associate with a world Champion. At Flutterwave, we hope to support Cheptegei where need be,” Sangho said.

The Joshua Cheptegei training facility is estimated to cost sh1.7bn.