Ferdinand Omanyala, Beatrice Chebet, Jackline Chepkoech and Julius Yego were among the 21 athletes who were presented with awards following their exploits in the just concluded Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK
The special gala event hosted by Kenya Breweries Limited’s brand Tusker at the Eka Hotel in Eldoret saw these athletes appreciated for their valiant display at a tournament that saw the country emerge as the third African nation and 14th globally.
Being hosted in the City of Champions, several Kenyan legends were in attendance to witness the spectacle including the father of Kenyan athletics, the iconic Kipchego Keino and Kenya’s first Olympic Medallist Wilson Kiprugut, Legendary long distance female Runner Tekla Lorupe among others.
Speaking at the occasion, Outgoing Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture & Heritage, Dr. Ambassador Amina Mohamed praised the athletes for their stellar performance at the games and the organisation as whole from the kenyan contingent.
“Congratulations Team Kenya, you did this country and the whole continent proud. Kenya is the Home of Champions and you have proved that once again. The medals won in Birmingham signal were a validation for country as we continue to invest in the next generation to carry the national torch to bigger and better achievements,” said Mohamed
She added “As the government, we wanted to ensure the team got the required backing to excel at the games. So, we put in place a robust plan and measures to increase the team’s performance levels and I can confidently say we reaped the fruits not only for now but future competitions. We hope this will be a benchmark for the future as we look to progress even further as a sporting destination”.
Tusker Marketing Manager, Jean Okech-Nyawara said that it was an honour for the company to be associated with the team as sponsors. She further noted the company’s commitment to continue supporting sports in the country.
“Team Kenya we’re proud of you and as Kenya Breweries Limited and brand Tusker we are proud you continue to raise the profile of the country through your efforts and your triumphant stories. Our commitment is to continue walking with you and providing the platform for you to actualise your full potential and progress Kenya’s reputation as the Home of Champions,” said Nyawara.
Kenya Breweries Limited through its flagship beer brand Tusker came on board once again as an official partner following their involvement with the team at the Olympic Games the previous year.
On his part, NOCK President Dr. Paul Tergat said:
“We are here to celebrate Team Kenya and their excellent performance as we see all medals represented here. We thank you athletes, for your sacrifice, the sweat and tears you put into this competition. You have done us proud. We thank the Government and our sponsors like Tusker for the continued support. I believe the athletes are beaming with confidence for the next challenge and I’m certain even a better showing lies ahead for that tournament”
Other former athletes in attendance who received awards included; Legend Kipchoge Keino, Kenya’s first female Olympian, Tecla Chemwabai and there was a moment of silence for the late Sabina Chebichii, the first woman to win a medal at the Commonwealth games
Kenya was ranked 14th during the tournament after collecting 21 medals at the games. Several of the athletes now switch gears to Olympics Games in Paris in 2024 with Kenya expected to raise a strong travelling contingent for the global tournament.
