Absa Bank has today announced a KES 12 million investment for the upcoming National Trials for the World Athletics Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the Under 20 Trials, as athletes beef up their preparations.
The bank will sponsor the World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games National Trials, which will take place this weekend at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, as well as the World Under 20 Athletics Trials, which will take place on July 8th.
Speaking during a joint media briefing with Athletics Kenya (AK), Absa Bank Kenya Marketing and Corporate Relations Director Mr. Moses Muthui said full support during the selection process for Team Kenya is critical for smooth preparations and holistic success under track and field events at the global stage.
“Team Kenya is expected to perform even better during the upcoming championships given our strong showing in the recent Continental Tour and the All-Africa Games. These top-level events provide us with an opportunity to set a foothold as a major sporting nation and extend our excellent record abroad. We shall continue to support Team Kenya as they embark on preparations for these events and compete against the best athletes from other countries,” Mr. Muthui said.
On his part, the AK President Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Jackson Tuwei affirmed the partnership, which he said was key to growing the athletics scene.
“We thank Absa Bank Kenya for coming on board as a partner in the National Trials. We are doing our level best to make sure the invitational events are a success, under World Championship and Commonwealth qualification standards, to ensure that our athletes continue to fly our flag high in the upcoming international championships.”
Part of the investment will go into helping Athletics Kenya organize the two-day National Trials and the Under-20 Trials and facilitating the national team representing Kenya at the World Athletics Championship in Oregon, United States. This, Muthui said, would boost the team’s morale and competitiveness against athletes from other countries during the hotly contested championships in the global athletics calendar.
“It is critical that we provide a focused atmosphere for athletes so that they can turn in their best performance on big platforms. Our athletes are working hard and resiliently in their training sessions and competitions and from past experiences, extra incentives are always welcome. That’s why we decided to sponsor Team Kenya to ensure they have the necessary requirements to effectively compete at the world championships.”
Athletes in the Team Kenya Camp shall also benefit from free financial training from Absa as part of their holistic development beyond the track.
