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Kenya: Athletics World Turns Attention to Kenya As Kip Keino Classic Tour Attracts Deep Field

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4 years ago

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Nairobi — Action in the world of Athletics turns attention to Kenya when the second edition of the Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour will be held on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani.

The one-day global event on Monday received a major boost thanks to Absa who banked Ksh 20 million that will ensure the competition will be a success.

The event is expected to grab world headlines because in comes as the last event of athletics after the conclusion of the 2021 Diamond League that culminated with the Zurich leg.

Arrangements for the second edition Absa Kip Keino Classic are on the home stretch with international athletes already trickling into the country, led by red-hot Olympic steeplechase champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco.

El Bakkali lost in the Zurich final to Kenya’s Olympic bronze medallist Benjamin Kigen, who also holds the world’s fastest time this season (8:07.12) and will be seeking to rub the Olympic triumph in on the Kenyans’ backyard this weekend.

Cabinet Secretary for Sports Amb. Amina Mohammed said, “We had a successful first edition of the Kip Keino Classic last year and we are really happy to run it for the second time. We are excited that it will be a series that will be running for several years to come as Kenya is fast becoming a destination of choice for international sporting events. We want to maintain those standards.”

She commended the private sector for playing an important role in growing the profile of sports events in the country through partnerships and sponsorships.

Athletics Kenya President Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei said “The world is changing not only in athletics but also other sports programmes. Athletics is evolving fast and the sport has become bigger. We have to be part of that growth. We need to create opportunities and competitions for our Kenyan athletes, organizers and technical teams to have more experiences and prosper.”

Absa Kenya Managing Director said the Bank has a great interest in sports because it understands the important role it plays in the betterment of our society.

“We are privileged to be part of Absa Kip Keino Classic Continental Gold Tour event as the title sponsors and we are confident that it will provide our athletes with yet another chance to live their winning spirit and show the world what Kenya is made of. On the other hand, our partnership with Athletics Kenya and the Ministry of Sports will continue supporting sports tourism and promoting our country as a great destination,” Awori said.