11 Kenyan athletes received scholarships from the National Olympics Committee of Kenya NOC-K on Wednesday, May 18 in preparation for the 2024 Olympic games in Paris France.
The athletes were shortlisted by their federations and forwarded by NOC-K to Olympic Solidarity to be vetted by their respective International Federations based on their performance.
The athletes will receive monthly stipends from now to August 2024 to cater to their training and selection costs.
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The scholarship package also includes customized coaching services, sports equipment, international training, and medical cover, among others.
“The awards mean that the IFs have confidence that the athletes have the potential to qualify for the Olympics if they put in the work," stated NOC-K Secretary-General Francis Mutuku.
"The scholarships were given based on exemplary performance in the past and present of an athlete and what the future towards the Olympic Games at a glance seems,” added Mr. Mutuku.
Kenya Volleyball Federation boss Mr. Waithaka Kioni noted that sponsorship is a crucial first step to improving Kenya's performance in the Olympics.
"We aim to place the athlete at the center of everything. This scholarship award to the eleven athletes will hopefully boost our qualification and performance as Team Kenya towards Paris 2024.”
Among those who have been awarded the scholarship is African Junior Tennis Champion Angela Okutoyi who is currently headed for the Roland Garros tennis tournament which will take place between May 22 to June 5 in Paris France.
Rosafio Danilo(swimming), Brian Ndunda(table tennis), Mahabila Mathayo(wrestling), Samuel Muturi(canoe and rowing) Alexander Kiprotich(javelin), and Josette Njeri(Triathlon) also received the scholarship.
Others are cyclist Nancy Akinyi, Sharon Wakoli of taekwondo, and Priscilla Mburu of sports shooting.