Team Kenya athletes equipped with essential life skills ahead of Paris Olympics
Ahead of theParis 2024 Olympic Games, Team Kenya athletes participated in a workshop aimed at equipping them with essential professional and life skills. The workshop, held at the EABL in Ruaraka, was organized by Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) in collaboration with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK).
The athletes received training covering key areas such as financial management, personal branding, content creation and anti-doping awareness. Facilitated by industry experts, the sessions provided athletes with practical tools and knowledge to navigate both their sporting careers and personal lives effectively.
Speaking at the event, EABL Chief Financial Officer Risper Ohaga provided essential financial guidance, underscoring the importance of financial literacy for athletes. She emphasized the need to understand concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and debt management. “As athletes representing our nation on the global stage, it is crucial to ensure that you are equipped to handle your finances responsibly and plan for your future beyond your sporting career,” Ohaga stated.
She further encouraged athletes to seek guidance from financial advisors and attend workshops that offer insights into personal finance, empowering them to make informed decisions about their financial well-being.
Moreover, Ohaga stressed the significance of developing a long-term financial plan tailored to each athlete’s specific goals and aspirations. “Having a clear roadmap will guide your financial decisions and ensure that you are working towards a secure future,” she added.
Wilfred Bungei, former 800 meters Olympic gold medalist, shared insights into maintaining professionalism and avoiding pitfalls such as alcoholism.
Drawing from his own journey, Bungei emphasized the importance of discipline and focus in achieving athletic success. He remarked, “Maintaining professionalism is crucial for athletes, and avoiding pitfalls like alcoholism is essential for long-term success. Discipline and focus are paramount in achieving athletic excellence, and it’s important for athletes to prioritize their physical and mental well-being to reach their full potential.”
Brian Kimanzi, a renowned personal branding expert, shed light on the significance of athletes developing a compelling personal brand. Kimanzi encouraged athletes to leverage their platforms to transcend the realm of sports and connect with diverse audiences. He emphasized, “As representatives of our nation, athletes possess unique opportunities to influence and inspire beyond athletic achievements. Building a strong personal brand allows athletes to resonate with various stakeholders, paving the way for valuable partnerships and opportunities.”
Ronnie Mandu, representing the Anti-Doping Association of Kenya, engaged athletes in an informative dialogue on the importance of clean sport. Mandu stressed the role of athletes in upholding integrity and fair play, highlighting the Anti-Doping Agency’s commitment to safeguarding the purity of sport. He said, “Our goal is to promote clean sport and foster a culture of integrity among athletes. Through education and awareness, we empower athletes to make informed decisions and uphold the values of fair play.”
Content production expert Mike Mungai underscored the power of storytelling in shaping athletes’ narratives and engaging audiences. Mungai urged athletes to authentically showcase their journey, values, and achievements through various media platforms. “Athletes possess compelling stories of perseverance, determination, and triumph. By sharing your narratives authentically, athletes can inspire and resonate with audiences, building deeper connections and support.”
The workshop was held as KBL announced Sh10 million sponsorships for select Kenyan athletes in preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The sponsorship includes Sh5 million allocated to the training and preparation of the Kenya Women’s Volleyball team, famously known as Malkia Strikers, and an additional Ksh. 5 million for the relay team, encompassing the 4x100m men, 4x400m men, 4x400m women, and the mixed relay.
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