Nyandarua Masters Athletes have appealed for sponsorship as they proceed to the World Championship trials scheduled for February 2022 in Canada.
The team, composed of runners aged 35 to 100 year olds, say that they have had to raise the funds for travel and accommodation to participate in races all over the country and that additional support would help them to channel their time and efforts to training instead of fundraising.
The team, which participated in the previously concluded Africa Masters’ Championship in Nyayo Stadium Nairobi, bagged a total of 9 gold medals for the county.
Josphat Muthee, 64, bagged two gold medals from the 1,500 meters and 4 x 100-meter relay races during the championships that were held from November 23 to 28 , 2021.
“I normally train with the athletes I am coaching and this has proven to be helpful in remaining in top shape to participate in track events. The races normally have age ranges of four years so I participated in the 60-64 year-olds’ events.
Running is my passion and has been since I was in primary school. I have also trained athletes such as 2014 Olympics walking race champion,” said Samuel Gathimba.
This is all I do and sponsorships would help to put us at ease and help me to concentrate on training and preparing for the trials,” Muthee added.
He also encouraged other people in his age group to take up running for the purposes of promoting good health, it has made him look young and vibrant in his sixties.
Mwaniki Njau, 55, said that with financial support, he can devote more time to training which would help him to perform better and represent the country on the world stage.
“I am a full time painter and can only devote my free time for training which in turn affects the outcome of my performances in races. I have participated in the Ndakaini Dam Marathons and won medals and I believe that I can perform even better and fly the Kenyan flag in the international scene through sponsorships,” Njau said.
The Nyandarua Masters Athletics group has been registered for four years and has steadily grown in number to a membership of 44 who actively train and participate in championships around the country.
By Rahab Naimutie
