NOC-K signs Olympics deal with Kurume City

Kenyan government and National Olympics Committee have finalised pre-Olympic training camp partnership agreement with Kurume City administration.

The two signed a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday in Nairobi.

The four-week camp will see Team Kenya pitch camp in Kurume to acclimatise ahead of the Tokyo Olympics Games set for July 24 to August 9.

The Sports CS Amina Mohammed, her PS Joe Okudo and NOC-K president Paul Tergat signed an agreement with Fukuoka Prefecture Deputy Governor Akie Oomaga and Kurume City vice Mayor Toshitaka Nakashima.

“Kenya and Japan have had warm relationship and with the signing of this agreement, we will see the Kenyan team get access to modern training facilities that will help the country get the best performance at the Tokyo Olympics,” said Amina.

“At the Tokyo Olympics, Kenya will set up Kenya house, which will market Kenyan products and host business meetings.”

On his part Tergat said; “We signed this agreement with Kurume City in the knowledge that our ultimate success depends on how well our athletes are prepared. This partnership has come at the right time.”

“We expect to take the largest contingent ever. So far, women’s volleyball team and rugby Sevens teams have already secured their place in the Summer Games. Over 30 athletes have already met the qualification standards.”

Kurume City vice Mayor Nakashima praised the partnership as he assured Team Kenya of hosting them well as they prepare for the Olympics.

“Kurume City will take initiatives to ensure the Kenyan team is well taken care of during their pre- Olympics camp,” Nakashima said.

NOCK didn’t disclose the monetary value of the sponsorship, with federation's secretary-general Francis Mutuku saying;  

“The Kurume City has agreed to cater for the team.”