OLYMPICS Tusker brews hope: Kenyan athletes gear up for Paris 2024 Olympics after massive financial boost

Kenyan athletes can now sigh in relief ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after Tusker came through, pumping millions into their preparations.

In Africa, the young are encouraged to be on their best behaviour whenever visitors are around, however, a very eager two-time Olympian Mike Mokamba leaped to his feet and inquired from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya president Paul Tergat if the sprinters would get a chance for specialised training in Miramas, France ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

That was Wednesday, March 13 at Kasarani Stadium’s Annex. A dome had been set up on the pitch where East Africa’s leading liquor manufacturer Kenya Breweries Limited, through their flagship brand Tusker, became the first corporate entity to cast their lot with the Kenyan athletes to create joy for the entire nation.

The visitors were still around but 29-year-old Mokamba was not scolded. In this case, the visitors who graced the occasion included Team Kenya CEO to Paris 2024 Wanjiru Kimani, Managing Director of Kenya Breweries Limited Mark Ocitti, EABL Marketing Director Anne Joy Michira, and NOC-K Secretary General Francis Mutuku.

Tergat did not hesitate to answer Mokamba and his reply was: “Yes, Miramas is on!” His reply was received with resounding applause from the audience in attendance.

In a now customary partnership with the National Olympic Committee, Tusker is boosting Team Kenya’s preparations for the games with a financial input of Ksh30 million. The deal has kindled a burning desire among sprinters who are itching to emulate African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala to the top of the sprinting food chain.

When Team Kenya athletes bag medals in the French capital during the upcoming Paris Olympics in July and August, it will be a result of concerted efforts from individuals, the government, and even the private sector. Firstly, the athletes have dedicated their time and effort to hone their skills with the help of federations and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya.

Training in various national and county government facilities without any financial cushioning, prospective Olympians are toiling for hours in the scorching sun to attain the qualifying standards for Paris 2024 where better-facilitated athletes from 205 other countries will also fight for glory.

However, Tusker coming on board will be a morale booster for the upcoming sprinters including Mokamba himself, Olympian Boniface Mweresa, National 400m champion Zablon Ekwam, and even Omanyala’s younger brother Isaac Omurwa.

Apart from the sprinters, the token will also facilitate the beach volleyball team burning the midnight oil to ensure they qualify for their second Olympic Games after making the cut for the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The national men's rugby sevens team, popularly known as Shujaa, has already qualified for the global bonanza and the funds will be channelled to aid in their preparations as they seek to go back to winning ways.

The Olympics is always a show stopper, both for the athletes and the fans, and Tusker coming on board to support Kenyan athletes so they can dazzle and promote national pride, brings a sign of hope for the athletes. This is not the first time the brand has walked with Team Kenya, Tusker has always been, and will always be, proudly Team Kenya.

KBL’s first dalliance with Team Kenya occurred in 2012 where their valuable financial support powered some of the most memorable performances ever witnessed in the Olympics history. Team Kenya skipper David Rudisha rose to the occasion and set the men’s 800m world record that stands to this day.

The company returned in 2016 to boost yet another preparation for the Olympic Games – Rio 2016 where Kenya’s sparkling performances were headlined by Eliud Kipchoge’s marathon victory.

Tusker’s loyalty was even more displayed when the company stuck with Kenyan stars in preparation for the pandemic to hit the Tokyo Olympics. Staged in empty arenas and with Covid-19 wreaking havoc, prospects of financial partnerships were at an all-time low. But Tusker epitomised the Kenyan spirit and stood up to support Team Kenya.

Tusker is championing joyful support this time around, and offering a chance for Kenyans to be ‘Champions of Joy’ in celebration of our athletes and the Olympics in Paris. Check out Pulse Kenya pages for details on how you can participate, don’t forget to rally behind Team Kenya on their journey to the Olympic Games!

Join us, together with Tusker, in showing the world how we celebrate the incredible Kenyan athletes with joy. Remember, every cheer, every clap, and every message counts. Let's paint the world with Kenyan spirit!