Mobile network provider Safaricom has announced its sponsorship of Sh9.2 million for the fourth edition of the Kip Keino Classics Continental Tour.
The event is scheduled to be held on Saturday May 13, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The sponsorship is intended to provide internet connectivity at the event to support significant functional areas such as the media centre and streaming services.
Sh2.2 million of the sponsorship is designated to be in the form of cash incentives for athletes who break records, with each receiving Sh250,000.
Safaricom's CEO, Peter Ndegwa, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting the growth of sports in Kenya and providing local athletes with a platform to showcase their talent and earn from their passion.
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"As Safaricom, we are big on supporting athletics in Kenya as part of our commitment to support the growth of sports in the country and provide local athletes with a platform to hone their talent and earn from their passion," Ndegwa said.
"We have supported the Kip Keino Classics for the past three years, and this year we are equally proud to be associated with it in a more significant way."
The Kip Keino Classics have attracted over 200 top-level athletes from all over the world, who are expected to compete with Kenyan athletics champions in various categories. The event will be streamed and broadcast live on local TV.
Among the notable athletes confirmed for participation in the field track event are Africa's fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala; three-time Olympic Champion in 100m Shelly-Ann Facer-Pryce from Jamaica; Diamond League final winner in 800m Mary Moraa; 200m Olympic Games Silver Medalist and six-time Diamond League meeting winner from the US Kenneth Bednarek; 200m Diamond League final winner Isaack Makwala from Botswana and Sha'Carri Richardson from the USA, among others.
The World Athletics Continental Tour is an annual series of track and field athletic competitions acknowledged by World Athletics.
The Tour constitutes the second tier of international one-day meetings following the Diamond League. The Continental Tour is categorized into Gold, Silver, and Bronze.