Boost for Kip Keino Classic as Safaricom splashes Ksh9.2 million sponsorship

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ATHLETICS Boost for Kip Keino Classic as Safaricom splashes Ksh9.2 million sponsorship

Kiplagat Sang • 17:33 - 10.05.2023

The one-day event dubbed as ‘Sprints Meet’ in Nairobi will be graced by some top talents from across the globe.

The Kip Keino Classic has received a massive financial boost after mobile service provider Safaricom pumped in a Ksh9.2 million sponsorship.

The fourth edition of the Kip Keino Classic will be held on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The cheque was handed over to Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei on Wednesday by Karen Basiye, Safaricom Director of Sustainable Business and Social Impact.

"We believe in transforming lives in this country, and that is why we are open to this spirit of partnership with Athletics Kenya. Athletics is part and parcel of our heritage, hence our strong support this year," said Basiye.

"We are ready to host the world for the Kip Keino Classic, and I take this opportunity to welcome both the foreign and local athletes and their personnel for this year's event that promises fireworks," Tuwei applauded the move by Safaricom.

The sponsorship will include the provision of internet connectivity at the event to support key functional areas such as the media center and streaming services.

Ksh2.2 million has been set aside as cash incentives for athletes who break records, with each getting Ksh250,000.

Apart from the financial sponsorship, Safaricom and AK will jointly take part in a tree-planting initiative at Kasarani on Saturday.

The event will witness high-profile athletes compete, and one of them is multiple Olympic and World 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and American sprint sensation Sha'Carri Richardson.

Olympic and World 200m silver medallist Kenneth Bednarek, World 100m silver medallist Marvin Bracy, World javelin champion Anderson Peters, and three-time women's Olympic hammer throw champion Anita Wlodarczyk will also grace this edition.

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