Sprinter Carvin Nkanata for Athletics Kenya trials

Carvin Nkanata of Kenya competes in the Men's 200 metres heats at Hampden Park during day seven of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on July 30, 2014 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Africa bronze medallist in the 200m Carvin Nkanata is expected in the country to compete at the national trials on July 31.

Joseph Kinyua, the manager for athletics team to the World Championships in Beijing, said the Florida-based athlete has been invited by Athletics Kenya to run in the trials so that he can be part of the country’s squad to Beijing in August.

Nkanata, in April, posted a world leading mark of 20.14 seconds in 200m at NTC Pure Athletics Sprint Festival in Clermont Florida. He will have to battle with Jamaican Usain Bolt for the medals in Beijing.

Kinyua was speaking in Nairobi yesterday after presiding over a function in which his Athletics Kenya (AK) Eastern Branch team received kit sponsorship from San Valencia Group of Restaurants for today’s National championships at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani.

National 200m champion Caroline Waiganjo led her team to receive the kits, saying the support from the corporate world will go a long way in motivating them as they seek to wrest the national title from Kenya Police team.

“We are happy for the recognition and the platform set for us to showcase our talent,” she said. “We will strive to do our best as AK Eastern Region.”

Phineas Kimathi, the former national rally driver and a director at the San Valencia Group of Restaurants, said he was helped to become a rally star and it was the best way to repay back the generosity from his sponsors by supporting others to achieve their dream.

“When I entered rallying, I did not have money, but sponsors saw the talent in me and supported me. That is why I have also extended this gesture to help you perform better,” he said.

Joseph Kinyua, the AK Eastern Branch chairman, said he was happy his athletes will stand out when the teams fight out at Safaricom Stadium today.

“I want that distinction to be transferred to better results and help us be the best region at the national championships,” he said.

Athletics Kenya Public Relations Officer Evans Bosire said Eastern Region has made history becoming the first region to secure sponsorship ahead of the national championships.

“I want other regions to emulate Eastern and help inspire their athletes by getting corporate sponsorship to run their affairs in the branches,” said Bosire.