Fierce kitting fight looming as Nike and Adidas target Nock

By Omulo Okoth

A fierce battle is looming for the kitting of the National Teams. An American sports kit manufacturer, Nike Inc, has a kitting contract with the National Olympic Committee (NOCK) and Athletics Kenya (AK).

But that could change drastically, if Nock enters into a kitting contract with another sports kit manufacturer, as indications are suggesting.

Nock Chairman, Kipchoge Keino, said he will be meeting with Nike Inc and adidas in New York later this month on sponsorship of Kenyan sports.

“The talks will revolve around development of Kenyan sports, right from the grassroot to the national teams,” Keino told FeverPitch, on Tuesday.

“The current sponsorship of Kenyan sports is not adequate because only athletics benefits. We want all Olympics sports included in the sponsorship,” he said.

“It is also our wish that such contracts include development of sports from the grassroot to the national teams. We intend to develop infrastructure and facilities as well,” said Keino.

“We shall therefore go with the better deal, what will benefit sports in the long term. Once we sign it, it will apply to all Olympic sports at al Olympic Games, Olympic Youth Games, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games and All Africa Games,” said Keino.

But AK, who has a kitting deal with Nike, says it is not obliged to go with the same kit that Nock has contracted for future Olympics.

“It is not a must that we (AK) wear same kit Nock will sign in future Olympics. The US Olympic team is sponsored by Nike, but their swimming team puts on Speedo,” said AK boss Isaiah Kiplagat.

“It is nor our business what Nock will agree on with those companies. It is really up to them so long as it is satisfactory,” said Kiplagat.

“Our arrangement with Nike is binding in all athletics series of World Athletics Series, World Championships, World Junior and Youth Championships, World Cross Country Championships and African Junior and Senior Championships,” said Kiplagat.

AK has extended their contract with Nike for the next four years, but it was not specifically intended for Olympic Games. They receive $312,000 (approx. 30 million) four times in a year for the development of athletics in Kenya. Adidas has endorsement contracts with individual athletes.