Lotto Foundation pumps Sh7m to National XC Champs

Lotto Foundation has injected Ksh 7million to boost the National Cross Country Championships that is set for Saturday at the Ngong Race Course

The event will double as trials for the Africa Cross Country Championships that is scheduled for March 7 in Lome, Togo.

Speaking at the launch of the event on Thursday, Lotto Foundation CEO Joan Mwaura said they are honoured to extend their partnesrhip with Athletics Kenya (AK) ahead of the annual event.

“This is the sixth year we are partnering with Athletics Kenya and for us the Cross Country is part of our key events where we know our champions are made,” said Mwaura.

Mwaura said they are also seeking to boost the federation as athletes prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games while also rallying athletes against doping.

“We are also going to work with AK as they also prepare for the Olympics. We also urge athletes to shun away from doping as it is damaging the reputation of our country,” she said.

 AK executive member Barnaba Korir lauded Lotto for the support in what he termed as a long term partner of the federation.

“We are grateful to the Lotto Foundation, they have been with us all through for the last seven years. It shows the passion and will to help our athletes especially the junior athletes who are now making their breakthrough.

Korir who doubles as the chairman of AK Nairobi region also assured athletics faithful of an entertaining clash on Saturday as Kenya’s finest face off at Ngong.

“It is going to be a competitive encounter since most top athletes will be competing after a very long time. This shows that we will have a strong team and it will also give us an opportunity to see the performance of our athletes in readiness for the Olympics,” he said.

Korir explained that 16 teams from AK affiliates will compete alongside three guest teams; Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), National youth Service (NYS) and Refugees.

The event will also culminate in the naming of Kenya’s team for the continental championships that was delayed by a year due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Athletes will battle it out in seven categories that also includes the newly introduced 5km and 6km races for girls and boys aged under-18 years.