President William Ruto is expected to host a grand reception at the State House in honour of the athletes who represented Kenya in the Paris Olympics.....CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The grand reception will be held at Eldoret, where the athletes are expected to fly in the president’s aircraft.
There will be a ceremonial drive to the State Lodge for breakfast and a grand entry to the Sports Club for the inauguration of the City of Champions.
In a statement, Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said this is to appreciate their incredible achievements, with further recognition to follow.
He acknowledged the honour brought by the champions, earning Kenya the best rank in Africa and 17th globally.
“We also extend our deepest appreciation to all our athletes who competed valiantly, regardless of the outcome. Each one of them is a true hero,” Murkomen said.
In the 2024 Olympics, the champions included team captain Faith Kipyegon, double gold medalist Beatrice Chebet and 800m runner Koitatoi Kidali.
Others were 800m gold medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi, marathon bronze medalist Benson Kipruto, and 5000m silver medalist Ronald Kwemoi.
“As a country, we are proud that Team Kenya brings home 11 medals which include four gold medals, two silver medals and five bronze medals, placing us at the top of the African continent and position 17 globally,” Murkomen said.
Besides the grand reception, the Champions are expected to receive cash prizes.
Chebet, who made history as the first Kenyan woman to strike a double in the quadrennial global showpiece after storming to the 5000m and 10000m titles, is set to pocket a whopping Sh13 million from her exploits in the French capital.
This follows an unprecedented move by the World Athletics to set aside Sh6.5 million for gold medal winners in the field and track events.
World Athletics announced on April 10 that it will become the first international federation to award prize money at an Olympic Games.
Kipyegon will receive Sh11 million, Wanyonyi will receive Sh8.5 million and Kwemboi hit a Sh2 million jackpot.
The gallant athletes who wrapped up third in their respective disciplines will earn one million shillings each.
They include Mary Moraa (800m), Faith Cherotich (3000m steeplechase), Abraham (3000m steeplechase), Hellen Obiri (marathon) and Benson Kipruto (marathon).
Meanwhile, the government confirmed it will award each gold medalist Sh3 million…CONTINUE READING>>
