ATHLETES REWARDED: Kemboi advises his colleagues as Lotto Foundation fetes runners

3000M Steeplechaser Ezekiel Kemboi (Centre), 1968 3000M steeplechase Olympic Silver Medalist Ben Kogo (Right) and Lotto Foundation Chief Operations Officer Peter Ng'eno (Left) do the 'Thunder Bolt' pose at the Nandi Bears Club in Nandi Hills during an athletes luncheon. The luncheon was to fete athletes who participated in the Rio Olympics and Paralympics. 21-12-2016. PHOTOS BY: KEVIN TUNOI

Athletes were yesterday feted in a colourful gala at the Nandi Bears Club in Nandi County.

The luncheon was organised by the Lotto Foundation and the Ministry of Sports where athletes who participated in the Rio Olympics and Paralympics were recognised.

The organisers said they were feting athletes to ‘appreciate their efforts in bringing glory to Kenya; and for posting the best performance in the Olympics history’.

Top athletes received tokens of appreciation including cash rewards followed by a sumptuous luncheon shared with budding and veteran athletes.

World beating athletes including 3000m steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi and Paralympic champion Samuel Muchai attended the fete.

Marathoner Stanley Biwott and former world champion Abel Kirui were also in attendance.

1968 Olympic steeplechase silver medallist Ben Kogo represented veteran athletes.

Kemboi who spoke on behalf of elite athletes expressed gratitude at the organisers of the event for ‘remembering athletes.’

He added that athletes were not always appreciated and called on sports stakeholders to increase efforts on the welfare of athletes and the athletics industry as a whole.

He added that the exploits of Kenyan athletes in the local and international arena should not be ignored.

“This is a great move by the event organisers to bring together athletes; most champions go unremembered immediately after the competitions are over,” said the Kemboi who had won bronze in Rio, but was later disqualified for line infringement.

Kirui and Kemboi called on athletes to observe discipline and honesty and to put aside greed for quick cash.

“Greed for quick money has turned some athletes in the direction of doping and other illegal activities,” said kemboi.

“Discipline and consistency is the only way an athlete can be successfu, there is no quick cash,” added Kirui.

Chief Operating Officer Lotto Foundation Peter Ng’eno said the foundation was committed in developing the sport in the country.

“Lotto is committed to partnering with well-meaning sports; there is need to ensure that young and budding talent have a chance at the world stage. I am proud to say we have a bright future ahead on the track,” he added.

Ng’eno said the foundation was looking forward to the 2020 Olympics adding further encouraging Kenya to take part in other disciplines.

Kenya’s performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics was the best ever where Kenya emerged top in Africa.

World 800m record holder David Rudisha earned Kenya gold alongside, Faith Kipyegon (1500m), Conseslus Kipruto (3000m steeplechase), Vivian Cheruiyot (5000m), Jemimah Sumgong (Marathon) and Eliud Kipchoge (Marathon).

Silver medallists were Hellen Obiri (5000m), Vivian Cheruiyot (10,000m), Julius Yego (Javelin), Hyvin Kiyeng (3000m steeplechase), Paul Tanui (10,000m) Boniface Tumuti (400m hurdles) while Margaret Nyairera (800m) secured the lone bronze medal.

In the Paralympics category, Samwel Muchai won two gold medals in the T 11 1500m and 5000m categories while, Henry Kirwa bagged the third gold for Kenya in the T12/13 5000m.

Nancy Chelagat Koech (T11 1500m), Henry Kirwa (T12/13 1500m) secured silver medals while Wilson Bii got a bronze medal in the Y11 5000m.