Eldoret-based bishop has called on the government to recognise the efforts of athletes who flew the country's flag at the just concluded Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games.
Bishop George Gichana of Eldoret Deliverance Church made the remarks while hosting veteran athletes who had traveled hundreds of kilometres for free medical check-ups.
Gichana said majority of Kenyan athletes, especially those participating in track and road events, have been neglected despite battling for the country at the global stage.
“Our athletes have done a great job. They have made Kenya proud,” said Gichana.
“Just looking at the concluded Olympics, they brought gold, silver and bronze medals. My appeal will be that anybody who wins a medal should be taken care of. They should be supported by any form of income as long as they live since that is the best way we can honour them,” added.
“I literally cried when I watched other better athletes win. At a personal level, I want to honour you for the great things you have done to this country.”
Those he hosted include the 1974 Commonwealth gold medallist and 110m hurdles national record holder Fatwell Kimaiyo from Nandi, 4x400m Olympic gold medallist Charles Asati (Kisii) and 1968 3,000m steeplechase Olympic silver medalist Ben Kogo (Nandi).
Others were 1994 400m world bronze medallist Barnabas Kinyor from Nandi, 1991 3,000m world bronze medalist Susan Sirma and former 3,000m steeplechase world record holder Wilson Boit Kipketer.
Kimaiyo said that treatment has been expensive with his age, constantly feeling some joint pains but lack funds to be examined and treatment.
“I am glad because the American doctors responded to our call for medical examination and treatment through Total Care and Rapha Clinics. I was even happier after meeting Asati, after many years,” 74-year-old Kimaiyo said.
Kipketer said many veteran athletes who represented Kenya in global championships lack health insurance covers and have been selling their property to pay medical bills for complications arising from years of running.
“I was examined and the doctors gave me a clean bill of health. I will continue keeping fit. Some athletes who suffered injuries through road accidents need closer attention,” Kipketer said.
Former world marathon silver medalist Simon Biwott, who is the Kenya Veteran Athletes’ Association secretary said they reached out and assembled the veterans for the exercise.
