This archive report was first published on 7 May 2020.
On May 7, 2020, the Ministry of Sports, Culture, and Heritage in Kenya flagged off a food donation initiative to support needy athletes in Eldoret. The move is part of efforts to cushion athletes against the loss of income caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, the ministry partnered with world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge to identify deserving athletes. A total of 58 athletes were identified as being in need of support.
"Through Eliud Kipchoge, we have identified 58 athletes who are very needy and deserve to get these food packages. The effects of the pandemic mean they cannot compete and they do not have any source of income," Amina said during the flagging off at the refurbished Nyayo National Stadium.
The food packages donated to the athletes in Eldoret include maize and wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, pasta, and other essential foodstuffs. Amina also called on corporate organizations to partner with the ministry to reach more deserving athletes.
"We have several organizations that have already donated to us like Betika, and we have also some money from the Sports Fund for this initiative. We need to reach more athletes and sportsmen. We call upon more organizations to come on board and help sportspeople during these difficult times," Amina said.
The ministry plans to roll out cash stipends to athletes, rugby players, footballers, and other sportsmen and women in the coming days. The stipends will be worth Sh10,000 each, but the ministry is still planning the logistics of the distribution.
