Jepkoech Eyes Triple Jump Medal in Kigali, Rwanda

BY JOSEPH KANGOGO

A pupil from remotest Sesya village, Baringo Central will be flying to Kigali, Rwanda to represent Kenya in East Africa regional Athletics in Rwanda in August.

14-year-old class 8 candidate Abigael Jepkoech Kipsang of Sesya primary school won Triple Jump during the 44th Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KPSSA) at William ole Ntimama Stadium, Narok.

"Although the exercise was so tedious but I thank God for giving me strength and enabling me to win", Jepkoech said.

Surprisingly, the girl uses a simple homemade dumbbells made of concrete to practice at home and attributed it to her success.

"I used to join boys in school to practice during games time and at home I was committed to jogging frequently and lifting this concrete weightlifting gadget to enhance my muscles" she said.

Her father Amos Kipsang said at first, he used to help her handle and lift the weight and she later proceeded to train alone.

Her mother Jackline Kipchumba however gathered with other village women and neighbours to welcome and accord her 'heroine' celebration, saying it was one of its kind.

"We thank God and our neighbours for supporting my daughter to make this far, I am happy she is now going to represent Baringo and Kenya in Kigali, Rwanda" Kipchumba said.

Ewalel Chap-Chap MCA Ayub Kibet who also joined to celebrate appealed to both National and County governments to assist nurture local talents.

"Who ever knew one day we would celebrate such a young champion like Abigael from such remote Sesya village" Kibet said.

He was backed by Athletics Kenya (AK) official Baringo branch Jenifffer Korir, who said "talent is our passion."

Damaris Yegon, a pupil at Moigutwo Primary School in Bartabwa Ward, Baringo North Constituency emerged winner in 5000M walking race.

Mercy Chepsergon from Murte- rit Primary School in Baringo North also qualified after emerging second in Nationals, 800Metres race competition.

Addressing the hotly-contested competition, Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KPDSSA) Chairman Ben Ochieng said the renowned Kenyan athletes had passed through the primary athletics competition to realize the dreams they are living now.

Elsewhere Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi handed Abigael an Award of Merit for her exemplary excellence in sports.

"I wish her all the best as she proceeds to Rwanda for junior competitions and promised to ensure she gets maximum support during the event" He said.

He said his administration has singled out the identification and naturing of talent, especially in Athletics as a priority area for investment so that gifted youth are exposed to the commercial world of sports early as a way of creating opportunities for our athletes to be sponsored by renown companies.

He was backed by his Deputy Eng. Felix Kipng'ok, MCAs Hon. Ayub Kibet and Robert Cheruiyot.