The founder and CEO of the Kenya Pro-Ageing Organization (KPAO) and former Kenya Miss President contestant Lucy Mworia has congratulated national football team Harambee Stars after their historic achievement and flying the Kenyan flag high in the African Nations Championships CHAN where Kenya sailed through Group A to qualify for the quarter-final as Group winners.
Mworia thanked President William Ruto for motivating the team with monetary incentives for their wins in the competition.
Mworia advised the government to set up a special kitty moving forward for sportsmen who perform well on behalf of the nation for all sports.
While acknowledging that Sports Fund is a positive department within the ministry of sports, the fund, can be restructured to include a provision of rewards to outstanding sports performance in a structured manner.
Kenya is a sports powerhouse in Athletics, Rugby,Volleyball and Football among other sports disciplines but with fmthe sports fund not having a mandate to reward excellence, athletes are left to benefit from the benevolence of the head of state, various corporates or individuals. Sports Fund could be allocated a dedicated kitty specially reserved for a reward scheme in sports.
“I wish to extend our warmest congratulations to our national football team, the Harambee Stars, for their outstanding victory against Zambia and for the series of commendable wins that have brought pride and joy to our nation. These achievements are a testament to the team’s hard work, discipline, and unwavering determination, which continue to inspire millions of Kenyans,” Mworia said.
“I also take this opportunity to sincerely thank His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto for the encouragement, motivation, and incentives extended to our national team. This support has greatly contributed to uplifting the morale of our players and reinforcing the importance of investing in sports as a unifying and nation-building pillar,” she added.
Mworia urged Kenyans to continue supporting Harambee Stars who will play against Madagascar in the quarter-final calling on fans who have not secured ticket to the match at Kasarani Stadium to cheer the team from the designated fan zones that have been set up in Nairobi CBD, Uhuru Park, Lucky Summer at Ngomongo (behind Kasarani Stadium), Dandora Stadium, Utalii – Stima Club ,Jacaranda Grounds and Kibera DC Grounds.
In celebration these great milestones by the resilient Harambee Stars, Mworia urged the government to consider establishing a sustainable sports fund dedicated to supporting not only football but all sporting disciplines in Kenya.
Such an initiative she noted, will ensure that our athletes are adequately equipped and empowered to compete and excel on the global stage, while nurturing talent among our youth.
“Once again, congratulations to Harambee Stars for flying the Kenyan flag high. May this victory be the beginning of even greater triumphs,” she concluded.