This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
On a day when many were stuck at home, world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge was out in the field, distributing food items to vulnerable athletes who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation and Eldoret Grains Limited distributed relief food to 60 vulnerable athletes from Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, as well as Iten and Kaptagat in Elgeyo Marakwet.
Speaking to the press, Kipchoge urged corporates and other entities to join in the exercise to help athletes overcome tough times. 'My appeal is to get more corporates and private companies to come on board so that athletes may be able to get food because their lives are at a standstill due to the coronavirus which has affected everybody,' he said.
Principal Secretary for Sports, Joe Okudo, has also called on Kenyans to come to the aid of athletes, saying they are the country's brand ambassadors and entertainers. 'We are looking at all vulnerable sportsmen and women countrywide,' he added.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has also promised to use the Sport, Arts and Social Development Fund to cushion all the athletes from the ravages of the pandemic. The government has set aside Sh100 million to help local athletes.
As of May 20, 2020, there were 1,029 coronavirus cases in Kenya, with 50 succumbing to the virus and 366 recovering.
