Kenyan athletics legend Kipchoge Keino has urged the corporate sector to support sports in droves to develop many talented youngsters in various disciplines.
Kipchoge said sports can change the lives of millions of youth if they are provided with the requisite support to realise their potential.
"Let us work and improve sports in this country. Sports unite the youths and I’m sure we have a lot of talents in this country... in every sports discipline," the two-time Olympic gold medalist said.
Kipchoge further pinpointed the crucial role that schools can play in sports development at an individual and general level.
"Let us prepare and build facilities in various schools to support our youth. We can do it if we’re united. When you go out of the country, you realise that parents accompany their children to the swimming pools, hockey fields or even tennis courts. We don't have enough of such facilities in the country," Kipchoge said.
He was speaking on Thursday night at the Trademark Hotel, Nairobi after he was named the Superbrands Personality of the Year.
The ceremony feted leading brands that persevered and broke boundaries despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kipchoge said he is honoured to receive the award, even as he recounted his pride at representing Kenya on the international stage.
"I am honoured to win this award. Thank you very much. I have always felt like I have a lot to do for this country and indeed, I am very proud of everything I have achieved. I remember receiving the national flag from President Jomo Kenyatta and him telling me to go and make the country proud," he said.
After hanging his spikes, the World Athletics Hall of Fame inductee opened a children's home, which nowadays houses 100 orphans.
He is also the brains behind the Kip Keino HighPerformance Training Centre — established in 2002 — and Kip Keino School.
