16 Spanish athletes jetted into the country on Saturday, October 31 for a trip to Kapchorwa in the Eastern region of Uganda where they expect to meet Joshua Cheptegei, Uganda's iconic athlete. 

Led by Toni Espadas, the group was also composed of physiotherapists who came to discover the training tactics and to meet the people of the area.

Welcomed by Lilly Ajarova the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the Spaniards will also spend 10 days making other excursions in different parts of the country.

Cheptegei's ability behind his accomplishments, which have no equal in Ugandan history, continues to earn him respect and fame across the globe. 

Being the first Ugandan to set four world records (without mentioning the fifth if the 10,000m is ratified), Cheptegei is no doubt, an important icon for Uganda's tourism industry as well. 
"The idea is to see how people in Kapchorwa work and how they develop these tough athletes. And since we have official therapists in the group, we also wish to learn how these athletes manage all the training process, so as to come up with world champions," intimated Lluis Esterri, another member of the visiting team.

 

UTB's Ajarova noted that sports has always been one of the products through which Uganda has been marketed as a tourism destination.

"Joshua Cheptegei who is the champion in the 5,000m and 10,000m race is one of our big assets right now. We also have an asset with the high altitude training especially in Kapchorwa where Cheptegei comes from," remarked Ajarova.

The CEO is optimistic that with Cheptegei's network, UTB is looking forward to partnering with him to use this publicity, to attract more tourists to the Pearl of Africa.

"It is only one month since we opened the airport hence the number of tourists is still very low but having a group from Spain right now, we hope their experience will be able to tell a story of Uganda's beauty," added Ajarova.

The Spanish are expected to participate in other activities among which include, hiking Mt. Elgon, rafting on the river Nile, visiting Sipi falls, and donating sportswear to young and upcoming athletes in Uganda. 

They hope to share the experience with Ugandan athletics coaches and locals who are experienced in the sport.