89 veteran athletes benefit from NOCK stimulus package

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) has rolled out a stimulus package to cushion veteran athletes amid the Covid-19 effects.

Some 89 retired athletes across the country who represented Kenya in African Games, Commonwealth and Olympics Games between 2002 and 2004 will thus receive foodstuffs worth Sh2,000 for the next three months.

The programme which was rolled out on Thursday at Nyayo National Stadium is a collaboration between NOCK, the Kenya National Sports Council and Kenya National Paralympic Committee.

NOCK Acting Secretary General Francis Mutuku said they intend to cushion as many veteran athletes who are needy.

“Many of our retired athletes need help at the moment and we are looking for ways in which we can boost them especially during this period. We intend to continue bridging the gap between 2004 and the active athletes. This is just the beginning and after three months depending on the availability of resources, we will continue cushioning them,” said Mutuku.

Mutuku disclosed that the Roy Parcel Services will deliver the food donations to the athletes who are outside the capital.

“We have about 30 athletes from Nairobi but those who are up country their packages will be delivered by Roy Parcel Services and for those in very remote areas where the truck might not reach, we will be sending them cash,” said Mutuku.

Ministry of Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed who flagged off the food donations said her ministry is also working on ways to cushion the veteran athletes.

“I would like to apologise to our legends because I think for a very long time, we have forgotten them. My ministry had asked for a list of legends so that we can support them. We want to send them money directly and ensure that they have something that can support them during this period after that we will look at ways in which we can continue supporting them,” said Amina.