NCS set to reward brothers Kiplimo and Kiplangat

Sep 30, 2022

Kiplimo, 21, won the 5,000m and 10,000m races while 22-year-old Kiplangat took marathon gold.

(L-R) the Simba brothers, Jacob Kiplimo, Oscar Chelimo and Victor Kiplangat. Photos by Javier Silas Omagor

Javier Silas Omagor
Journalist @New Vision

The National Council of Sports (NCS) will later today (Friday) honour Ugandan athletes Jacob Kiplimo and Victor Kiplangat by rewarding them for their golden achievement at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

At a special awarding ceremony at Lugogo in Kampala, the two brothers will be recognized for each winning gold at the Games.

Kiplimo, 21, won the 5,000m and 10,000m races while 22-year-old Kiplangat took marathon gold.

Athletes Jacob Kiplimo (r), Oscar Chelimo (c) and Victor Kiplangat (l) jubilate with fans at their ancestral home in Kween District.

Athletes Jacob Kiplimo (r), Oscar Chelimo (c) and Victor Kiplangat (l) jubilate with fans at their ancestral home in Kween District.

Theirs turned out to be Uganda's only gold medals in Birmingham.

The other medals were won by Peruth Chemutai (bronze) in the women's 3,000m steeplechase and Teddy Nakimuli (bronze) in boxing.

Kiplimo and Kiplangat are set to each bag a combined monetary package of about sh150m for the three gold medals.

NCS general secretary Dr. Benard Patrick Ogwel said the essence behind the gesture is to encourage other athletes to work hard.

“Rewards and recognition are part and parcel of our planning since it boosts, inspires and motivates our athletes,” he said. “It is further a principle of appreciation and encouragement.”

Pastora and gold medallist Victor Kiplangat will be awarded by NCS today.

Pastora and gold medallist Victor Kiplangat will be awarded by NCS today.

In order to receive their prizes dignifiedly and in person, the duo travelled from their native Kapchorwa district in eastern Uganda on Thursday to attend the ceremony in Kampala.

“We arrived in Kampala safely and we give God the glory,” said Kiplangat, who doubles as an assistant pastor at the Temple of the Most High God Church in Kapchorwa.

“We are humbled by the gesture NCS has set aside for us and it will spur us for more greatness.”

Kiplimo is the world half marathon record holder (57:31) and reigning champion. Kiplangat is the first person to win a marathon in Uganda's history at the Commonwealth Games.

Recently, UWA’s Kiplimo won the Great North Run in Newcastle to become the first and only Ugandan to achieve the feat while Police’s Kiplangat is the defending champion of the Belgium full marathon.

Both the wildlife ranger and police officer are the sons of the late Stephen Arapsimba of Kween district.

Related story: https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/sports/full-account-of-ugandas-performance-at-2022-c-140300)

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