Kiprotich receives sh300m from Vision Group

By Vision Reporter

Vision Group handed over a cheque of sh300m to athlete Stephen Kiprotich as a reward for winning gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Kiprotich, Uganda’s first Olympic champion in 40 years was rewarded at a grand function at Vision Group headquarters on Friday.

Companies and individuals responded to a fundraising call by Uganda’s daily–– New Vision to thank Kiprotich for his outstanding feat.

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Kiprotich (left) and Robert Kabushenga (right) CEO Vision Group pose with the dummy cheque. PHOTO: Arthur Kintu 

Vision Group’s chief executive Robert Kabushanga launched the campaign immediately after Kiprotich raced to a gold medal in the Olympic marathon on August 12.

Several companies and individuals responded with not only cash offers, but pledges and offers in kind. Kiprotich produced a devastating kick with 7km remaining to kill off any Kenyan hopes of a victory, going on to time 2hr 08min 01sec on the spectacular marathon course around the streets of central London in hot and humid conditions.

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UOC's William Blick, CEO Vision Group Robert Kabushenga and Stephen Kiprotich. PHOTO: Arthur Kintu

Kiprotich’s gold was Uganda’s second, the last coming 40 years ago when John Akii-Bua won gold in the 400m hurdles at the Munich Games.

“We have been short of role models but now we have Stephen Kiprotich,” Kabushenga said.  He advised the Olympic Gold medalist to stay with his wife despite his success.

“Stephen Kiprotich, no matter what you do, please stay with your wife forever,” Kabushenga advised.

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Kiprotich takes a group photo with some of the people and staff of the companies that contributed to the fundraise drive. PHOTO: Arthur Kintu

Sudhir Ruparelia of Crane Bank said, “Kiprotich, you've done us proud. Thank you for winning and I hope you use your money well.”

The Uganda Prisons representative Akena Samuel said, “Kiprotich will always have a home in Prisons. He is on his way to becoming an Assistant Superintendent of Police in two weeks’ time.”

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Sudhir Ruparelia of Ruparelia Group meets Golden Boy Stephen Kiprotich.PHOTO: Arthur Kintu

Kiprotich said, “This is our time as athletes. We are strong for 2016 and we shall return from Brazil with medals.”
He added that Kenyan athletes asked him to stay in Kenya but he told them he was a Ugandan.

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Vision Group CEO, Robert Kabushenga interacts with contributors. PHOTO: Arthur Kintu

President Yoweri Museveni opened up the offers with a sh200m cheque for Kiprotich, whose request for a house for his parents was also immediately answered in the affirmative by the head of state.

Uganda Prisons, where Kiprotich was a warder when he strode to gold, also promoted him to the rank of Assistant Superintendent.

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Stephen  Kiprotich listens attentively to the Commissioner General's speech before being  introduced to the Prison's Council members.This was at Imperial Royale Hotel earlier in the day. PHOTO: Petride Mudoola    
 

Uganda had, until Kiprotich’s amazing run, put up a poor show at the games of the 30th Olympiad in London.

The medal was Uganda’s first since 1996 when quarter miler Davis Kamoga won bronze at the 1996 games in Atlanta.

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The Commissioner General of prisons, Dr. Johnson Byabashaija shakes hands with  Stephen Kiprotich  as he arrives for the Prison's Council meeting earlier in the day. Photo: Petride Mudoola                                                         

Boxers Leo Rwabwogo (bronze and silver), Eridad Mukwanga (silver) and John “The Beast” Mugabi (silver) are Uganda’s other Olympic medalists. The next games are in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.