About 50 athletes have benefited from the Athletes scholarship programs that will be distributed to various schools across the country.
In an event attended by the Sports Cabinet secretary in Eldoret, the students will be joining form one with fully paiud schools fees based on talents at their schools.
Namwamba said: “I believe in the young people and mostly the talented ones to drive our country to the highest level on the world. I know what it means through sponsorship in education. I believe that there is no self-made athlete and education is the equalizer of the world,” said Namwamba.
Retired athletes Paul Chelimo and former Boston marathon champion Wesley Korir said that they are products of scholarship both in education and talent.
“Many athletes lack support when they need them most but no one is there to offer solutions and support. We want these athletes to monetize their talents. Don’t wait until I win before you celebrate with me, but walk with me in the journey. Talent will help you get money and education will help you keep or invest the same money,” he said.
Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) CEO Doreen Odhiambo said that their mandate is identify and develop talents in country.
“The impact will be felt between talents and education for these young people. It develops learners’ skills. Today, they are working with athletes, and I hope next they should work with volleyball among other disciplines,” she said.
Double Olympic Games marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge said education is the only language that everybody can here and see. For the blind, they here, for the deaf, they see.
“That support that you’re given use it well and be kind to everyone. Let’s love education and talent plus education equals to an element and education propels your talent,” said the former world marathon record holder.
Two time Olympic Games 1,500m champion Faith Kipyegon was touched by the athletes who want to pursue Education through this support.
“When I see you I see myself in 2010 when I ran barefooted at the world cross country championships in Bydgoszcz. Getting a scholarship is not easy with this suppression,” said the double world record holder.