Paris wants to honor late Ugandan Olympian Cheptegei by naming sports venue after her
Paris is planning to pay tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei, the deceased Ugandan Olympic runner, by giving her name to a sports facility in the city.
The city mayor, Anne Hidalgo, revealed the proposal on Friday. It will be reviewed by the city's elected officials in October.
Cheptegei passed away on Thursday at a hospital in Kenya where she was receiving treatment after suffering burns on 80% of her body in an assault by her partner. She was 33 years old.
Cheptegei participated in the women's marathon at the recent Paris Olympics and came in 44th place.
Paris city hall released a statement showing their support for the family of the athlete who was a victim of femicide shortly after competing in the Olympic Games.
The top police officer in Trans Nzoia County, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, reported that Dickson Ndiema, the partner of Cheptegei, allegedly purchased gasoline, splashed it on her, and then lit her on fire after a disagreement last Sunday. Ndiema also suffered burns and is receiving medical treatment at the hospital.
According to data from UN Women and the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, a woman or girl is tragically killed by a partner or family member approximately every 11 minutes worldwide.
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During a press conference on Friday, Hidalgo expressed heartfelt emotions for Rebecca Cheptegei, as reported by French media. He mentioned her grace, resilience, and independence, stating that Paris would always remember her. In her honor, a sports facility will be dedicated to her, keeping her memory alive for years to come.
According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, around 41% of dating or married women in Kenya have been victims of physical or sexual violence by their current or former partners.
