17 May 2021 | Athletics

MTN Uganda has rewarded Ugandan long distance runner Joshua Cheptegei ahead of his 10,000m world record assault in Valencia.

Cheptegei smashed Kenenisa Bekele’s long-standing record to become the world record holder in the 5000m with a time 12:35.36 during the Monaco Diamond League meet.

MTN Uganda rewarded him with a token of appreciation totaling over 123 million shillings, coupled with niceties of 12:35:36 GB bundles every year.

The event that was graced by MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Wim Vanhelleputte, and Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) President Dominic Otuchet unfolded at Mbale Resort Hotel.

Otuchet lauded Cheptegei for being a unique person before promising to extend more support in his future competitions as an athlete.

“Joshua set a new world record of 12:35:36 seconds. These are remarkable achievements during lockdown, at a time he hadn't taken part in any engagements. Joshua is a special person. We are proud of him. Joshua is not done yet.

“Even as we speak now, he is preparing for another race. Joshua will be going for the World record in the half marathon. Before the lockdown, he had planned to break it but the event was postponed. That record is going to fall.”

He added; “Because of Joshua and his teammates we are now respected here and outside. Long Live MTN, Long Live Uganda.”

Vanhelleputte shared his personal history in athletics before calling Cheptegei the face of the brand MTN and UAF are building for the world to know.

“I was also an athlete when I was 15 years old. I managed to do it once but this gentleman has done it more than once. Athletics/running in particular is all about time,” Wim revealed.

“The world record has lasted for 16-years and I just wanted to invite our journalists to appreciate Joshua. This is like Uganda Cranes winning the AFCON. When you look at Kenya, Ethiopia and Jamaica, they are exporting a brand.

“When you look at not only Joshua but the wider community, I think Uganda is building a brand. Joshua is the face of the brand. We are building up a brand and I would really love Uganda to be known all over the world.

“Looking forward to another record in Spain. Today is all about you and in athletics since it’s all about time. We have done two things; we are giving you a special bundle. 12:35:36 GB bundles every year, a unique bundle with calls and SMS.

“And then the second one is we want to show appreciation by giving you a financial reward. What we are doing here is good will.”

He added; “There is no contract, there is no paperwork. We are inviting many other sponsors to come and join the success story. We are handing over a token of appreciation of 123,536,000 UGX.”

Cheptegei expressed gratitude towards MTN's token of appreciation and all his support team. The 2018 Commonwealth Gold medallist said; “It’s an honour to be recognised by MTN. I want to thank everyone who has been supporting me.

“At first I thought I would become a student athlete but I realized there was more. I want to thank coach Kiwa who supported me at Bugema University. Then also coach Benjamin Njia and Timothy Masaba for the paper work.

“I want to thank the President of Uganda, the first lady and Hamson Obua, the Minister of Sports. When we were preparing, the challenge was how I was going to get out of the country. When I spoke with the ministry, they availed the bombardier. We must also take credit.

“The government is also building a training center in Teryet where we can build many athletes. I have been supporting the junior athletes, every time we have a Christmas run in my village. We need different sponsors to create a conducive environment.”

Cheptegei was aided by pace-making from Roy Hoornweg, Stephen Kissa, and Matthew Ramsden to break Bekele's 16-year-old record – the longest duration in the history of the event – by almost 2 seconds

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