Sports

Team Kenya 2024 Olympics preps boosted with KBL sponsorship

by
Mike Barasa
March 26, 2024

Officials from NOCK and some athletes pose with KBL Managing Director Mark

The Olympic Games are scheduled for July
Kenya Breweries announced a Sh30mn sponsorship
Several Kenyan teams have already qualified

Team Kenya’s preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, received a massive boost, after Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), renowned for its flagship brand Tusker, announced its sponsorship for the team.

The sponsorship, valued at Sh30 million, was officially handed over to the National Olympic Committee – Kenya (NOC-K) during a ceremony held at the Moi International Sports Centre, graced by NOC-K President, Dr. Paul Tergat.

Mark Ocitti, Managing Director of KBL, reiterated the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting Kenyan sports across various disciplines. “At KBL, our dedication to Kenyan sports runs deep, with a rich history of supporting athletes in athletics, football, golf, rugby, and beyond. We understand the transformative power of sports in shaping lives and communities,” said Ocitti.

He emphasized the joy of continuing their partnership with NOC-K, stating that the sponsorship will aid Team Kenya’s preparations and assist NOC-K in meeting logistical requirements for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Team Kenya delighted with corporate sponsorship

NOCK boss Paul Tergat receives the cheque from KBL’s Managing Director Mark

Paul Tergat, President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), echoed Ocitti’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of corporate sponsors in advancing Kenya’s sporting agenda. Tergat assured the nation of NOC-K’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent selection process for Team Kenya, underscoring the importance of integrity and meritocracy in representing the nation at the global event.

Anne Joy Michira, (AJ) EABL Marketing and Innovations Director conveyed condolences to the athletes the nation has lost, including Marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum. She highlighted the power of sports in promoting gender equality and called upon corporations to rally behind Kenyan athletes.

AJ shared inspiring stories of Tusker’s support for Team Kenya, including the remarkable journey of Robert Wangila, the Kenyan boxer who won a welterweight gold medal at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games while being a truck driver for Tusker and a KBL Employee.

Through this sponsorship, KBL will leverage its Kenya Milele campaign to amplify the achievements of Kenyan athletes and inspire national pride. The campaign will include athlete mentorship initiatives and promotional events aimed at galvanizing support for Team Kenya and fostering unity and patriotism across the nation.

Kenya aims to field a contingent of between 80 and 90 athletes for the Paris Olympics, to surpass the 10 medals secured at the Tokyo Games in 2021.

Team Kenya step up preparations

Guests during the event to launch the partnership

Notably, two team sports have already secured qualification: the national volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, and the Kenya Sevens rugby team. Additionally, 45 athletes from Athletics have achieved qualifying times.

This comes even as the National Olympic Committee of Kenya continued its preparation for the Games, with a visit to France by the president Paul Tergat and other high ranking officials to continue the recce for Team Kenya’s arrival.

The Kenyan contingent is expected to stay in the French city of Miramas, where they will hold a month long camp before the Games begin in the capital Paris. Earlier on this year, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba witnessed the signing of an agreement between NOCK and the City of Miramas to officiate Kenya’s camp.

Just like Tokyo in 2020 when the team camped in the City of Kurume before going to Tokyo, the Kenyan contingent is expected to enjoy the amenities available in Miramas as well as their facilities to properly prepare for a good show once the Olympic Games begin.

“As NOCK, we will continue giving our athletes the very best because they deserve it. Preparation is very key for us and we started this long ago by offering scholarships and assisting our athletes to compete in tournaments and attain qualification marks,” Tergat said.