KBL to bankroll Team Kenya sprinters, Malkia Strikers at Paris Olympics
Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) has reaffirmed its support for Team Kenya athletes gearing up for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Through its flagship brand Tusker, KBL announced a sponsorship of Sh10 million for select Kenyan athletes as they prepare to compete on the global stage from 26th July to 11th August 2024 in Paris, France.
The sponsorship builds upon KBL’s recent commitment of KES 30 million to Team Kenya through the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), aimed at supporting the team’s preparations and logistical necessities for the highly anticipated event.
KBL’s sponsorship will allocate Sh5 million to bolster the training and preparation of the Kenya Women’s Volleyball team, famously known as Malkia Strikers who became the first Kenyan team to qualify for the Olympic Games after winning the 2023 Africa Women’s Nations Cup.
In addition, KBL will extend Sh5 million support to the entire relay team, which includes the 4x100m men, 4x400m men, 4x400m women, and the mixed relay. The selected athletes have commenced their training at the Nyayo National Stadium, where they are sharpening their skills under the tutelage of the seasoned sprint coach Stephen Mwaniki.
Kenya claimed the men’s 4x400m relay silver medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games before winning the gold at the following event in Munich in 1972. They will be hoping to post positive results in Paris this year.
In addition to the two teams, KBL has also entered a partnership with 2022 Commonwealth Games and African men’s 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala.
Speaking during the athletes unveil, KBL’s Managing Director Mark Ocitti underscored the company’s dedication to supporting Kenyan athletes and fostering talent through its ‘Tusker Nexters’ platform.
“Our sponsorship of these select athletes is a testament to our unwavering commitment to their success at the Olympic Games. Our decision to support these athletes is in line with our Tusker Nexters platform through which we seek to support the next generation of Kenyan talent across various fields including sports,” he said.
“The remarkable growth we’ve seen in sprinting which has traditionally not been a Kenyan forte, speaks volumes about the potential of our athletes and Ferdinand Omanyala is a great example of that potential. Our support therefore aims to empower these athletes to excel and make their mark on the global stage. Similarly, Malkia Strikers’ historic qualification reflects their immense potential, and we are proud to stand by them in their journey,” added Mr. Ocitti.
Paul Tergat, President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) commended KBL for the continued support of the Kenyan team.
“We thank KBL for their continued support and investment in sports and in our athletes. This is in line with our commitment as NOCK to partner with the private sector to uplift the quality and standards of the sports industry in the country and KBL has been such an important partner. We have put in place extensive measures to ensure that the athletes are well prepared for the Games in Paris and with such support, we are confident that the team will perform exceptionally well,” said Tergat.
Kenya aims to field a contingent of between 80 and 90 athletes for the Paris Olympics Games, aspiring to surpass the 10 medals secured at the Tokyo Games in 2021. The teams that have secured their qualification include the national volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, and the Kenya Sevens rugby team.
The marathon team has also been confirmed with the men’s roster including marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge who will be seeking to defend his title. Joining him are Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, Benson Kipruto, Timothy Kiplagat, and Alexander Mutiso.
On the women’s front, Kenya will equally field a strong team led by world-record holder Brigid Kosgei and Hellen Obiri. They are joined by rising stars Rosemary Wanjiru, Sharon Lokedi, and Peres Chepchirchir.
Additionally, fencer Alexandra Ndolo already secured her spot with more athletes expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
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