State splashes Sh10m to five sports bodies

By Mutwiri Mutuota

The Government splashed Sh10m in aiding preparation and rewarding performances in five sporting disciplines, ranging from deaf athletics to traditional boat racing.

In a handing-over ceremony to recipients, Sports Minister, Hellen Sambili distributed Sh3.49m in cash awards while disclosing Government spent Sh6.5m in assisting the teams to honour their events.

Rugby, motor sport and swimming were the other beneficiaries of the big payday under the Government Sports Awards scheme.

"Since the scheme was launched (in 2006), we have witnessed marked improvement in performances.

"We cannot say it is awards alone that are responsible for the performances but we have seen young sportsmen continue being inspired to excel by those who have come before them," Sambili said.

Champion swimmer Jason Dunford who won three gold and two silvers at the 9th Africa Swimming Championships (December 1 to 7, Johannesburg) was the largest single beneficiary, pocketing Sh650,000 for his haul.

He won gold in both 50m backstroke and butterfly events as well as in 100m butterfly in addition to silver in 100m and 200m freestyle competitions.

Team mate Achieng Ajulu Bushell took home Sh475,000 for winning two gold (50m and 100m breaststroke), silver in 50m freestyle, bronze in 100m freestyle and being part of the 4X400m freestyle relay team that took bronze. Other members of the quartet were Pina Ercolano, Sylvia Brunlehner and Rajita Shah who pocketed Sh75,000 each. Government also spent Sh 917,000 on tickets for the team. The national team to the World Deaf Athletics competition (September 22 to 28) in Turkey received Sh3.5m from the State.

Daniel Kiptum, double gold medallist in 10,000m and marathon was awarded Sh600,000 while Peter Toroitich (bronze marathon) and Edwin Kipchumba (bronze 3,000m s/chase) received Sh100,000 each.

Rugby Sevens World Cup semi finalists received Sh600,000 in rewards while government spent Sh1.46m on the team that travelled to Dubai for the event.

Team captain Humphrey Kayange and Kenya Rugby Football Union sevens director, Sasha Mutai were on hand to receive the token.

A total of Sh640, 000 was also handed out to be shared among 24 teams that took part in the January 20 Obama Inauguration Boat Race where the State spent Sh430, 000 to aid organisation.

 

 

Read all about: Hellen Sambili Rugby motor sport swimming deaf athletics traditional boat racing

 

 

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