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Kampala, Uganda | Julius Businge | On May 15, Uganda Tourism Board flagged off athlete Joshua Cheptegei to the 60th Ostrava Golden Spike in Czech Republic happening on Wednesday May,19.
Cheptegei is a tourism ambassador for destination Uganda. He refers to himself as the ‘Silverback’ of the Pearl of Africa.
A silverback is the alpha male in the gorilla family – and Cheptegei, has since February this year, been the brand ambassador for destination Uganda – the home for the biggest population of gorillas in the world.
While in Czech, Cheptegei will attempt to break the world record in 3000m. He is a novice in this competition.
He has severally won Gold medals (at world competitions) in the 5000m and 10,000m competitions.
“I want to make history,” Cheptegei said shortly before setting off for Czech Republic on May 15 at UTB head offices in Kampala.
He said, the Czech competition would prepare him for the forthcoming Tokyo (Japan) Olympic Games.
Claire Mugabi, the marketing manager for UTB said having Cheptegei (the Silverback) at the Czech event would directly promote Uganda’s tourism sector.
“We believe he has the strength to win which is why we named him Silverback,” Mugabi said.
