Fast Running

New track and new hope

Photo: Dan Vernon

Joshua Cheptegei and Halimah Nakaayi opened a new track in the village of Chemwania, part of Kween District, close to Kapchorwa.

The new track is built for athletes, schools and local community from Kween district. The opening took take place on Tuesday February 23.

For 14 years Global Sports Communication (GSC) has been a leading party in Uganda in the development of athletics in cooperation with local partners. The opening off the track at Chemwania Primary School attracted 43 schools from the district seeing 264 kids compete from the age of 11 to 17 competing.

The races got flagged off by World Champions Joshua Cheptegei and Halimah Nakaayi, who opened the track after completing a lap off 400mtr.

Possibly a missed opportunity for Cheptegei to take a run at the Blue Jeans Mile world record. Photo: Dan Vernon/NN Running Team

Smart Casual 400m

Both world champions highly supported the initiative which GSC picked up with local partners. “It’s fantastic that GSC picked up the initiative to help the people from Kween providing a track. It will help many to fulfil their childhood dreams”, Cheptegei said.

“In my years growing up there where few role models and few facilities. I am so happy to see, that, for the new generation things are changing and more support and facilities are there”, Nakaayi added.

Global Sports Communication in cooperation with the NN Running Team picked up the initiative for the track after talking with various local parties including the district, Chemwania Primary School and local athletics officials to successfully finish the project.

Photo: Dan Vernon/NN Running Team

Group effort behind the project

Jurrie van der Velden, responsible for the Ugandan arm at GSC said; “In my 14 years in Uganda this is a milestone for our contribution to the development of Ugandan athletics. It fills me with pride to see the young athletes enjoy running and compete at the new track”.

Coach Addy Ruiter who was one of the people responsible for laying the foundation and implementation of the track added; “As a coach I can’t be happier with the way this came together. So many parties worked together with one goal, that is to help the youngsters. Such facilities are vital for us coaches to do our work”.

Jos Hermens, CEO of GSC is known for his long term vision and supporter of the development of athletes and athletics. “I am so proud of my team at GSC that we are leaving such footprint in various countries and the greater development of athletics.

“The completion of the Chemwania track is yet another example of our vision, view and our philosophy on our beautiful sport. I really look forward seeing talents from the area blossom in the years to come”.

For more information on the NN Running Team follow their social media accounts and www.nnrunningteam.com for the latest news on athletes and races.