The fastest sprinter on the African continent Ferdinand Omanyala is elated after benefiting from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (Anoca) KES19.32 million scholarship grant.
The particular money will be utilised to help 7 Kenyan athletes prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in France.
Among the 7 beneficiaries are;
Ferdinand Omanyala (100m)
Nicholas Kipkorir (5,000m), Abel Kipsang (1,500m), Jacob Krop (5,000m), Charles Simotwo (1,500m), Beatrice Chebet (5,000m), and Margaret Chelimo (5,000m, 10,000m).
The selected athletes will each pocket KES115,000 monthly to see them secure coaching, training facilities, travelling, accommodation and medical care as they prepare for the big occasion.
Omanyala has expressed gratitude and reveals he will use the cash to prepare himself for the forthcoming World Championships in Oregon aside from the Olympic Games in Paris.
“I’m grateful for the scholarship I’ve received, it’s an honour and a motivating factor as we head to Paris in two years time but before that we have two World Championships coming up and it will help me prepare for these games,” said Omanyala.
Also in May this year, 11 sports persons also benefited from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Solidarity scholarships that amounted to KES.27 million
Shooter Priscilla Wangui, Angela Okutoyi, Christine Ongare (boxing), Josette Njeri (triathlon), Nancy Akinyi (cycling), Sharon Wakoli (taekwondo), Alex Kiprotich, rower Samuel Muturi, swimmer Danilo Rosafio, wrestler Mahabila Mathayo and Brian Mutua (table tennis).
Kenya has for long dominated the long distance races in world’s major athletic events but failed to impress in the short sprints until recently when Omanyala became the African 100m champion.
His star in the sprints is steadily rising and the youngster looks set to break records in both African and global short sprints events in the near future.
