Kiprotich legacy programme launched

By Norman Katende

World and Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich has launched his legacy programme to benefit upcoming talent in Sebei region. It is the first time that a Ugandan athlete has launched a legacy programme in the country.

The launch that took place at the Kapchorwa Council building was presided over by the assistant Chief Administrative officer of Kapchorwa district.

It was attended by athletics federation president Domenic Otuchet, technical officials Paul Okello and CharlesMukiibi district education and sports officers from the three districts of Kapchorwa, Kween and Bukwo and selected coaches.
 

With the help of British Council, who are going to fund the project aimed at tapping, nurturing and identifying talent in the Sebei region, Kiprotich is targeting training teachers and community coaches, who will be handling pupils from three selected school and communities in the basics of athletics.

“I have always wanted to give somethingback to the community. The project would have started last year but it was not well constituted. I wanted a programme that will also benefit the community and I am proud that this programme will exactly do that,” said a beaming Kiprotich before signing the project papers.
 

The deputy CAO, Franco Olaboro, promised the region’s support in seeing that this project is a success.

“We have a lot of talent but handling it has been the biggest problem. So we are blessed that one of our own has come up to see to it that he addresses this issue and we will all give him all our support,” said Olaboro.
 

The project will involve the training of teachers in both kid’s athletics and basic coaching skills. These teachers will be attached to different schools, though only one school from each of the Sebei districts will benefit from the pilot project.
 

“We would have loved to go in for all the schools but funds and good planning dictates that we will only have ten kids from each school to benefit from this.

These children will also get better training and coaching and they are expected to have a competition every year,” said the Uganda athletics federation president Dominic Otuchet after the project launch."