This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
Eliud Kipchoge Leads Covid-19 Relief Efforts in Kenya ¶
On May 7, 2020, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed flagged off a food donation initiative to cushion needy athletes in Eldoret, which was spearheaded by the Ministry of Sport and well-wishers, including the Hindu Council of Kenya.
World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge, along with his Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, was chosen as the ambassador of the relief project to motivate and aid athletes who have lost income due to the cancellation of races caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
On May 8, 2020, Kipchoge distributed food packages to athletes in Kericho, which included maize and wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, and pasta. The packages were donated by the Ministry of Sport and well-wishers.
Seeing Kipchoge 'live' was a huge consolation for the disruption in the Kericho athletes' training programmes caused by Covid-19 precautions that outlaw group training sessions and races from being held.
"Through Eliud Kipchoge, we have identified 58 athletes who are very needy and deserve to get these food packages," CS Amina said on Thursday while flagging off the food convoy at Nyayo National Stadium.
"The effects of the pandemic mean they cannot compete and they do not have any source of income," she added.
On Friday, May 8, 2020, Kipchoge continued the distribution in Kapsabet, Eldoret, Iten, and Kaptagat, with the aim of reaching more athletes and sportsmen in need.
