Absa Bank Kenya has intensified its support for athletes beyond the track by organising a financial management and nutrition program for 105 athletes in preparation for the upcoming Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour.
The event, which is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, at Lobo Village in Eldoret, will see top winners of the senior category receive Sh780,000 ($6,000), with the second being awarded Sh650,000 ($5,000) and the third Sh520,000 ($4,000). The winners of the U20 category will receive Sh162,500 ($1,250), with the second and third place winners being awarded Sh130,000 ($1,000) and Sh104,000 ($800), respectively.
Speaking during a wellness training that took place at Kaptagat Training Camp, Julius Songok, Absa Bank Kenya’s Regional Manager for the Rift Valley Cluster, highlighted the lender’s commitment to supporting athletes through a comprehensive approach that extends beyond sports.
“As a financial institution, we understand that achieving success in any area, including athletics, requires more than just athletic talent. It involves financial literacy, appropriate nutrition, and proper sportswear, which motivated us to organize this session,” said Mr. Songok. “We care deeply about the well-being of athletes and believe that investing in their development contributes meaningfully to our national heritage in athletics.”
Click here to support our work with as little as Sh5 bob
For his part, the legendary athlete Eliud Kipchoge shared his athletic journey echoing the need for financial discipline in the sport.
“I believe knowledge is power and a way to get knowledge is to have a seminar like this with Absa. Above that Absa have also given food to athletes who are having a lot of problems as far as food, accommodation and equipment are concerned and these initiatives should continue so that athletes know what to do when they get money. I would also like to encourage the athletes participating in the Absa Sirikwa Classic to work hard, focus on the prize and run the way they have been running and come out with flying colours,” legendary athlete Eliud Kipchoge, explained.
ALSO READ: What trade visit to Estonia, Finland means for Absa Bank
The financial wellness training included valuable sessions on money management skills, budgeting, and retirement planning, along with nutrition training aimed at enhancing the athletes’ growth and performance, facilitated by Nutrition by Nthenya.
It also featured Sportswear Branding by Badeq, a premier athletic apparel brand dedicated to supporting athletes with high-performance gear. Both Badeq and Nutrition by Nthenya are beneficiaries of the Absa Business Club.
The annual athletics event, now in its fourth edition, is expected to attract both local and international athletes. The Absa Sirikwa Classic is part of fourteen World Athletics Cross Country Tour held in different countries globally.
