The Cameroon Athletic Family has bid farewell to Charles Kipsang, a Kenyan athlete who tragically passed away just three hours after completing the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope in Buea on February 24.
Charles Kipsang is remembered as a brave and dedicated athlete who spared no effort in representing his country with pride.
During the farewell ceremony held at the Buea Regional Hospital Mortuary on March 14, Motombi Emmanuel Mbome, the President of the Cameroon Athletic Federation, offered his condolences to the sports community, the Charles family, and the Kenyan Athletic Federation. He expressed deep sorrow over Charles’ passing, stating that it has deeply affected him and the federation. Despite the sadness, Mbome assured that all necessary arrangements had been made for Charles’ repatriation to Kenya on Friday, March 15.
Also present at the ceremony was the representative of the Southwest Governor, Secretary-General at the Governor’s office, who praised Charles’ courageous participation in the race and urged fellow athletes not to be disheartened by his untimely death.
Barnaba Kitilit, an athletic coach and representative of the Kenyan Athletic Federation, hailed Charles as a formidable athletic warrior who had shouldered many responsibilities. Kitilit revealed that Charles hailed from a family of nine and had taken on the responsibility of educating his siblings, some of whom are already attending university. He expressed gratitude towards the Cameroon Athletic Federation and the Cameroon Government for their efforts in ensuring Charles received a dignified farewell.
Barbara, Charles’ cousin, shared fond memories of him, highlighting his widespread popularity within the community. Cameroonian athletes also spoke of Charles’ kindness towards them, expressing their sorrow over his loss and acknowledging that he will be dearly missed.
Charles’ body is scheduled to be transported from the Buea Mortuary to Douala International Airport at 6 a.m. on Friday, where he will be flown back to Kenya.
