Parents are key in sports success

Kapchorwa, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  Long-distance champion Joshua Cheptegei, has urged parents in Sebei sub-region to support and nurture their children’s talent in sports and education, emphasizing the role of parental empowerment in securing their offspring’s future.

The three-time world champion in the 10,000 meters highlighted the pivotal role parents play in aiding their children with essential sports training equipment such as shoes, tracksuits, and educational materials.

Cheptegei emphasized the interconnectedness of education and sports, noting that they create more opportunities, including study scholarships, for aspiring youngsters.

He observed a significant rise in talented kids within the Sebei sub-region over the last four years but expressed concern over the lack of parental support for the majority of them.

Through his foundation, the Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation (JOCDEF), Cheptegei disclosed that over 200 kids have received athletic scholarships, aiming to foster talent development and educational advancement.

Denis Kiplangat, a parent with talented children, lamented that many parents neglect to support their children’s talents despite being aware of their responsibility. “Most parents are aware but just permissive and irresponsible,” he says.

Elvis Chemusto, another parent, commended Cheptegei for serving as an exemplary figure in the community by imparting wisdom and providing scholarships to talented youngsters. “If we follow his footsteps, I am sure in the next five years, we shall be having great champions who are learned,” states Chemusto.

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