Kip Keino Classic: Athletics Kenya issues rallying call to fans ahead of thrilling action

© ABSA Kip Keino Classic.

Kip Keino Classic: Athletics Kenya issues rallying call to fans ahead of thrilling action

Joel Omotto 17:00 - 11.04.2024

Athletics Kenya has urged fans to turn up in large numbers during next weekend’s Kip Keino Classic with preparations for the Continental Tour event nearing completion.

With anticipation building, the fifth edition of the Kip Keino Classic World Continental Tour Gold is primed to ignite the tracks of Nyayo National Stadium on April 20.

The media launch, held Thursday morning at the very venue where the event will unfold, set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling day of athletic prowess and entertainment.

Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jack Tuwei expressed excitement, urging fans to flock to the stadium for a spectacle like no other in Africa.

"We are calling on everyone to come and watch the Kip Keino Classic. There will be fireworks in this place (Nyayo) on that Saturday as athletes compete," said Tuwei.

Acknowledging the efforts of all involved, Tuwei extended gratitude to stakeholders and the government for their support since the event's inception.

"To organise an event of such calibre for five editions is not easy. I want to thank the organising committee for the hard work they have put in to make this event a success for the past five editions. A big thank you to the government for their support and the ideas they have provided us, which we have included in the planning for this competition," he said.

The star-studded line-up includes global athletics luminaries such as Olympics silver medallist Kenneth Bednarek, javelin champion Thomas Rohler, hammer throw champions Wojciech Nowicki and Pavel Fajdeck, alongside local heroes like Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala, World champions Mary Moraa and Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

Race director Barnaba Korir called on Kenyans to rally behind the athletes. "We ask all Kenyans to come and fill the stadium so that we can have a memorable event even as we think of how to host bigger events in the future," said Korir, assuring that all preparations are on track, including minor repairs to the tartan track.

"We have talked to World Athletics and they have said the track is in accordance with the standards and only needs minor repairs. That is what we are undertaking and then we will be good to go.”

Main title sponsor Absa Bank Kenya, represented by Consumer Banking director Moses Muthui, reiterated their commitment to supporting Kenyan sports. "Absa believes in supporting Kenyan sports... We remain committed to this endeavour because we believe your story matters," said Muthui.

Also in attendance were Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum and deputy speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Boss Shollei, both affirming the government's unwavering support for the event and Kenyan sports at large.

Kip Keino Classic, a beacon of Kenya's sporting spirit, continues to shine brighter with each edition, embodying the nation's legacy of athletic excellence on the global stage.

This year's edition will be held at Nyayo Stadium since the first one in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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