National Bank yesterday presented Sh2.3 million to Kenyan athletes who performed well at the World Deaf athletics Championship in Toronto last year.
The team was placed fourth with 11 medals—4 gold, 4 silver and three bronze medals. Gold medal winners pocketed Sh300,000 with silver medallist going home with Sh200,000 and bronze medal winners picking Sh100,000.
The gold medallists from Toronto included Baxton Menjo, who won two gold medals in the 1500 and 800m; Daniel Kiptum, who won gold in 10,00m and Beryl Atieno, 200m gold medallist. Atieno also picked a silver in the 100m. The silver medallists were—Daniel Kipkosgey (10,000m), David Wamiri (200m) and Simon Kibayi (1,500m). Peter Toroitich (10,000m), Justus Kipkemboi (800m) and Obed Kipruto (3,000m steeplechase) won bronze.
Cabinet secretary for Sports, Dr. Hassan Wario hailed the bank for the gesture and urged the private sector to invest in the development of sports in the country. “Sports is a sustainable way of providing employment and improving the living standards of youth in our country hence the need to commit more resources in nurturing sporting talent. I urge other banks to emulate National Bank.”
He urged the bank to try sports banking to ensure sportsmen and women invest their earnings. “I want to urge the bank to come up with Sports banking. It’s an idea you can work on and I can help with ideas from the ministry,” added Wario. Speaking during the presentation, National Bank managing director, Munir Ahmed commended the team for its impressive performance. “We are proud to be associated with the impressive performance of our deaf athletes. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, the bank will continue to nurture and promote talent in our young people without discrimination,” he said. Deaf Athletics secretary general, Bernard Banja, also thanked National Bank for their gesture, saying the association valued the support given to the team.