Young and upcoming athletes have been challenged to not only focus on their talents but also focus on education.
Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei challenged the upcoming athletes to take education seriously as a fallback strategy to continue thriving even after their running careers come to an end.
“Why should you stop your education at form four and fail to proceed to tertiary college and university level? Education is paramount especially at your age because it will help you in future after active competition in athletics,” advised the AK President.
Tuwei made the remarks during a two day seminar for young athletes on entrepreneurship skills and investment at Kipkeino high school, Eldoret. The athletes were also supported with food donation to cushion them against the effects of Covid-19.
Most athletes have been adversely affected by the Coronavirus that has halted their means of livelihood as they fully depend on competitions to earn a living.
Tuwei gave an example of top athletes who were thriving more now than they were in active athletic, citing former British celebrated long-distance runner Paula Radcliff who he said was now a sports commentator because she pursued education besides her athletics career.
Since sporting competitions were stopped in March this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, most young athletes have been disadvantaged because they depend on earnings from competitions.
Their needy situation forced Kipkeino foundation in collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank to go around the country in support of the affected athletes.
Tuwei also enlightened the young athletes on the dangers of doping. “Kipchoge Keino who is here now ran clean and won. As young athletes and future of our athletic glory, I urge you to run clean. Let nobody cheat you to use illegal drugs in your body as it will not only affect your career if found but also compromises your health,” said Tuwei
“These substances will destroy you. We have many examples of those who have used prohibited substance but now they cannot bear children, apart from being banned from participating in athletics, do not waste your future in doping,” stressed the AK President.
In his remarks Kipchoge Keino encouraged the upcoming athletes to work hard in their training and also invest the earnings they get wisely.
“I urge the young Athletes to train well and remember to invest their earnings which will help them in future,” said Keino.
By Kiptanui Cherono
