By Eddah Waithaka
Absa Bank Kenya has ramped up its support for athletes by launching a comprehensive financial management and nutrition program for 105 athletes preparing for the Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour.
The event, set to take place on Saturday, February 22, at Lobo Village in Eldoret, will see athletes competing on one of the world’s most prestigious cross-country stages.
The bank hosted the wellness training at the Kaptagat Training Camp in partnership with legendary long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge. The program featured sessions on money management, budgeting, and retirement planning, alongside nutrition training designed to boost athletes’ performance and overall well-being.
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Nutrition by Nthenya, a leading wellness brand, facilitated the nutrition segment.Julius Songok, Absa Bank Kenya’s Regional Manager for the Rift Valley Cluster, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting athletes holistically.
“Achieving success in athletics goes beyond physical talent. It requires financial literacy, proper nutrition, and the right sportswear. This is why we organized this program—to equip athletes with the tools they need to thrive both on and off the track,” said Songok.
“We are deeply invested in their well-being and believe this initiative strengthens Kenya’s legacy in athletics,” said Eliud Kipchoge, who attended the training and shared insights from his own career, emphasizing the importance of financial discipline.
“Knowledge is power, and programs like this are crucial for athletes. Absa has not only provided education but also addressed critical needs like food, accommodation, and equipment. These efforts must continue to help athletes manage their earnings wisely,” said Kipchoge.
He also encouraged participants in the Absa Sirikwa Classic to stay focused and aim for victory.The training also included a session by Badeq, a premier sportswear brand, which provided athletes with high-performance gear.
Both Badeq and Nutrition by Nthenya are members of the Absa Business Club, a platform that supports growing enterprises.
The Absa Sirikwa Classic, now in its fourth year, will award top performers in the senior category with $6,000 (KES 780,000) for first place, $5,000 (KES 650,000) for second, and $4,000 (KES 520,000) for third.
In the U20 category, winners will receive $1,250 (KES 162,500), $1,000 (KES 130,000), and $800 (KES 104,000) for first, second, and third places, respectively.
The upcoming World Athletics Cross Country Tour event will attract local and international athletes, bolstering Kenya’s status as a global athletics powerhouse.
Absa Bank Kenya’s initiative underscores its dedication to nurturing talent and fostering sustainable growth in the sports industry.
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