Femme StaffAbsa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour is more than just a race for Absa Bank Kenya. In preparation for the event on Saturday, February 22, at Lobo Village in Eldoret, the bank has organized a financial management and nutrition program for 105 athletes, extending its support beyond the track.
The wellness training took place at the Kaptagat Training Camp and was conducted in partnership with the renowned long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge. This initiative included valuable sessions on money management skills, budgeting, and retirement planning, along with nutrition training aimed at enhancing the athletes’ growth and performance, facilitated by Nutrition by Nthenya.
Speaking during the training, Julius Songok, Absa Bank Kenya’s Regional Manager for the Rift Valley Cluster, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting athletes through a comprehensive approach that extends beyond sports.
“As a financial institution, we understand that achieving success in any area, including athletics, requires more than just athletic talent. It involves financial literacy, appropriate nutrition, and proper sportswear, which motivated us to organize this session,” explained Mr. Songok. “We care deeply about the well-being of athletes and believe that investing in their development contributes meaningfully to our national heritage in athletics.”
For his part, the legendary athlete Eliud Kipchoge shared his athletic journey echoing the need for financial discipline in the sport.
“I believe knowledge is power and a way to get knowledge is to have a seminar like this with Absa. Above that Absa have also given food to athletes who are having a lot of problems as far as food, accommodation and equipment are concerned and these initiatives should continue so that athletes know what to do when they get money. I would also like to encourage the athletes participating in the Absa Sirikwa Classic to work hard, focus on the prize and run the way they have been running and come out with flying colours,” said legendary athlete Eliud Kipchoge.
The financial wellness training also featured Sportswear Branding by Badeq, a premier athletic apparel brand dedicated to supporting athletes with high-performance gear. Both Badeq and Nutrition by Nthenya are beneficiaries of the Absa Business Club.
The Absa Sirikwa Classic will see the top winners of the senior category receiving $6,000 (KES. 780,000), with the second being awarded $5,000 (KES. 650,000) and the third receiving $4,000 (KES. 520,000). The winners of the U20 category will receive $1,250 (KES. 162,500), with the second and third place winners being awarded $1,000 (KES. 130,000) and $800 (KES. 104,000), respectively.
Read more about Absa Bank’s long term support for sports and athletics.
The annual athletics event, now in its fourth edition, is expected to attract both local and international athletes. The Absa Sirikwa Classic is part of fourteen World Athletics Cross Country Tour held in different countries globally.
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