The Athlete Philanthropist: Joshua Cheptegei’s Commitment to Community Development. 

Starting a philanthropic journey is frequently motivated by a strong desire to advocate for the betterment of society. Many people are motivated to pursue philanthropic initiatives by a strong sense of individual experiences and a desire to positively impact their communities. This is particularly true with Ugandan athlete Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei, who has made philanthropy a priority in addition to his storied athletic career.

With beautiful green scenery all around us, under a shade at Home of Friends Guesthouse in Kapchorwa District in the Eastern region of Uganda, we had the privilege of conversing with Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei (28). Clad in his black tracksuit and Nike shoes, Cheptegei shared his inspiring journey with the Vice Versa Global team. As a three-time World champion and Olympic champion, Cheptegei’s philanthropic endeavors are as impressive as his athletic achievements. Today, Joshua Cheptegei represents Uganda in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Joshua Cheptegei’s decision to engage in philanthropy was fueled by his desire to give back to his community and support those in need, drawing from his own experiences and challenges. He understands the impact that a lack of resources and support can have on individuals, particularly the youth. By leveraging his success and influence, Cheptegei aims to create opportunities for others, fostering a community where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Growing up in the village of Kwoti, which was often stigmatized, looked at as uncivilized, and associated with negative things, Cheptegei as a young athlete without mentors, struggled with mental health and envisioning a successful future. Despite these challenges, his passion for becoming a positive change-maker and a person of importance in society never waned.

His resolve led him to embrace philanthropy and to address these challenges, especially faced by young athletes and people trying to achieve their dreams without support in his community.

“My decision to engage in philanthropy stemmed from the difficulties I faced and the lack of support available to help me achieve my goals,” Cheptegei shared. Training on grass fields riddled with potholes, he often injured himself due to inadequate facilities and a lack of proper equipment like shoes, spikes, and running attire. Many of his talented friends abandoned their athletic dreams because they could not cope with the pressing need for a sportswear support system and proper facilities, he further explained.

Inspired by greats like Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele, Cheptegei realized the power of role models, even those he had never met.

Indeed, for many like Cheptegei, the path to philanthropy is not just about giving; it is about creating lasting change, empowering others, and addressing the pressing issues within their communities. It is this commitment to making a meaningful impact that drives individuals to invest their time, resources, and efforts into philanthropic work.

While numerous organizations have been addressing vital issues like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), gender-based violence, and other social norms, Cheptegei’s unique experiences drove him to establish the Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation. This NGO focuses on community outreach, rigorously vetting individuals in need, and collaborating with local leaders to prioritize vulnerable communities.

One program dear to Cheptegei is the Christmas run, which identifies talent and awards scholarships to children, fostering the next generation of athletes. Beyond running, Cheptegei is deeply involved in farming, contributing to Uganda’s food basket by planting maize, and plays a significant role in combating hunger. He also serves as a police officer and owns the Joshua Cheptegei Junior School. (part of the school shown below)

At this point, you might wonder how he manages to maintain equilibrium among his diverse activities. Cheptegei prioritizes endeavors that foster personal growth. He relies on a robust support system, with dedicated individuals helping to oversee various tasks, ensuring his athletic career remains unaffected.

“I am happily married and blessed with three wonderful children. My wife is my steadfast supporter, always encouraging me behind the scenes. Without their unwavering support, I believe I would not achieve as much as I do,” he emphasized. Additionally, the Uganda Police Force provides flexibility and supportive leadership, consistently encouraging Cheptegei to strive for excellence in his athletic pursuits.

The community’s enthusiastic support bolsters the foundation’s initiatives, ‘it is akin to preparing food and having people enjoy it.’ Children eagerly participate in sports tournaments, like athletics and football, and offer valuable feedback through media channels such as radio stations and bloggers, which helps refine programs.

Despite his varied responsibilities, Cheptegei remains fully committed to his career as an athlete. “I am vigilant about ensuring that other responsibilities do not detract from my primary goal,” he said.

The community’s collective pride and support are palpable, especially during competitions abroad. “As I approach the finish line, I foresee the joy and happiness my success brings to people,” Cheptegei noted. His victories are celebrated, and his influence inspires many, with some even naming their children after him.

As a change-maker, Cheptegei has profoundly influenced his community by instilling self-belief and determination. These values demonstrate the power of dedication and focus. When asked about his winning streak, he emphasizes the importance of setting clear priorities and working diligently toward personal goals. Cheptegei stresses the significance of consistency: success requires ongoing effort and support, always striving for improvement.

Reflecting on the Sebei community’s potential and resilience, Cheptegei acknowledges the historical challenges they have faced. From conflicts with neighboring groups to colonial marginalization, the Sebei people have endured significant hardships. Yet, their remarkable capabilities, especially in sports, shine through.

Ultimately, overcoming these historical burdens and asserting their identity in a competitive global context remains a crucial aspiration for this community. Cheptegei emphasizes that aspiring athletes have a powerful opportunity to transform their communities through sports. By recognizing the impact of their success and using it to uplift others, athletes can create lasting change. “By offering support and encouragement to fellow community members, athletes can plant seeds of inspiration that may grow into significant achievements for others in the future’’ he added.

After listening intently, I asked Cheptegei what he would change if he had the opportunity to be President of Uganda for just one day. He responded thoughtfully, saying he would prioritize addressing the urgent needs of the youth.

Recognizing that they represent the future of the country, and their potential can either contribute to productivity or pose challenges if their needs are not met. Cheptegei would focus on implementing policies and programs that prioritize the welfare and development of Uganda’s youth, ensuring they have the necessary opportunities and resources to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.

With a diversity of perspectives and shared struggles that contribute to a cohesive community fabric, characterized by mutual support and collective progress, Cheptegei envisions a thriving community where his Foundation’s efforts lead to tangible growth across key aspects of its focus, in years to come. In essence, his aspiration is for a self-reliant community with empowered families who are proud of their accomplishments. “I see a Kapchorwa where businesses flourish, generating substantial income for its residents.” As a professional athlete who trains and resides back home, he envisages to inspire others by demonstrating that success can be achieved right here at home.

Looking ahead, Cheptegei envisions even deeper involvement in sports after his athletic career. Retirement will allow him to fully commit to various sports activities and initiatives while prioritizing quality time with his family, he explained. He plans to immerse himself in both athletics and football, with plans to launch a football academy. Cheptegei aims to elevate local sports to an international stage, nurturing talent and showcasing his community’s potential globally. 

In conclusion, Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei embodies the spirit of a true change-maker. His philanthropic journey is a testament to the power of dedication and the profound impact of sharing success with others. “True success lies not only in personal achievements but in the ability to inspire and uplift others to achieve their potential,” he stated.

As Cheptegei continues to inspire and uplift his community, he leaves a legacy of perseverance, excellence, and collective progress. His message is clear: with good health and fitness, any challenge can be overcome. Signing off as Silverback, Cheptegei encourages everyone to embrace change-making and prioritize fitness for a better tomorrow.