Kenya lauds World Athletics global fund to bail out athletes

Kenya’s athletes will benefit from a 500,000 US dollar global fund, which World Athletics launched on Tuesday to help athletes with their financial needs through the Covid-19 pandemic period.

Athletics Kenya (AK) president Jack Tuwei welcomed the move saying it will help bail out athletes who are most affected by the lack of competition with a complete lockdown of sports competitions globally. 

“Certainly this fund will cushion them (athletes) from effects of this virus. Every sector needs help and we thank World Athletics for coming up with such an initiative for athletes,” said Tuwei.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the fund would be used to assist athletes who have lost most of their income in the last few months due to the suspension of international competition while the world combats the global health emergency.

Coe said it was important that the sport supports its athletes who are most in need during the current circumstances. 

“I am in constant contact with athletes around the world and I know that many are experiencing financial hardship as a consequence of the shutdown of most international sports competition in the last two months,” said Coe.

“We are hopeful that we will be able to stage at least some competition later this year. We’re mindful that our competition season is being severely impacted by the pandemic,” Coe added.