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U.S. Embassy Congratulates Cameroon’s Texas Big D Marathon Runners

Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Richard W. Nelson was on hand to congratulate on behalf of the U.S. Embassy – Yaoundé four Cameroonian athletes who participated in the Texas Big D Marathon as well as their technical trainers and sponsors. Of the four Kumbo-based athletes who participated in the Dallas, Texas, marathon, on April 1, 2007, two brought home stunning victories. Januarius Bongkiyung, age 35, won overall first place in the men’s race and Immaculate Wirngo won second place in the women’s portion of the competition. Milano Kumbo Sports Academy Executive President Roland Kiven Mbenkum recounted to those gathered at the U.S. Embassy his emotion when learning that the Cameroon Athletic Team would qualify to participate in the 26.2-mile marathon in Dallas: “The ground shook behind us, and we knew we would make history … America is where people realize their dreams.” Commendations on the team’s discipline and victory were echoed by the DCM as well as the other Kumbo Academy authorities, who made it possible for these soft-spoken, hard-working athletes to see their dreams come true. Authorities who came to the Embassy in support of the Cameroon Athletic Team were Technical Director Edward Lailam, Coordinator of the Central Region Yaah Gladys Tchabo, coordinator for female and juvenile athletes Stella Mbaku and patron Dr. Fonki Tobia Mbenkum. More challenges lie ahead for these four and possibly other Cameroonian athletes. The technical advisors are now exploring the grounds for participation in upcoming marathons to be held in the U.S. cities of Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Washington DC. As the Sports Academy authorities see it, these new challenges are all about harnessing potential and giving opportunities to youth who show promise. (Photo Gallery)