Safaricom calls for support for Kenyan Sprinters

David Rudisha receives a 2 million-shilling cheque from Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore

Kenya is internationally referred to as an athletics powerhouse following the consistent and remarkable performance in athletic events. However, the decoration is a reserve of long and middle-distance runners. Sprints and field events on the other hand have continued to show dismal performance.

Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore has urged the government and other stakeholders to support the growth of sprint and field sports in the country.

Collymore was speaking at a reward ceremony held on Tuesday where Olympics and Paralympics Medalist received cash rewards amounting to Sh17.2 million from the leading mobile operator.  

The company has pledged to support Kenyan Sprinters with the much needed leadership and facilities, as it seeks to work with Athletics Kenya in starting a sprint programme.

“Safaricom will now commit to provide some leadership, support and funding to develop our short distance runners,” said Collymore.

The lack of support and facilities in the country for instance, denied 800m World Record holder David Rudisha a chance to compete against World fastest man, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.

Speaking at the ceremony Rudisha said, “I have a lot of passion in sprint and I believe Kenya can produce the best sprinters, I started as a 400m sprinter before I graduated to 800m because I was being discouraged to take part in those races by so many people.”     

Safaricom rewards Olympics and Paralympics medalists

The Paralympics team was the greatest beneficiary receiving Sh10.3 million in total with double silver medalist in the T12 1500m and 800m David Korir taking home the largest chunk of Sh2.4 million.    

The other big beneficiaries of the day were Gold medalist Abraham Tarbei, 800m world record holder David Rudisha, Gold Medalist Samuel Muchai and his guide James Boit who pocketed Sh2.3 million, Sh2 million, Sh2 million and Sh2 million respectively.       

The Paralympics team won 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals while their counterparts in Olympics team bagged 2 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze medals at the 2012 London Games.  

Photo Courtesy of @SafaricomLtd 

“Success is going from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill