By Antynet Ford
President William Ruto has asked team Kenya for the Paris Olympics 2024 to make it an Olympic for the departed Kelvin Kiptum.
Ruto called on all the Kenyan athletes who will participate in the July/August event to put the country on the world map as an honor to Kiptum.
He urged the Kenyan athletes to put their best foot forward, adding that this is the Olympics that will define who Kelvin Kiptum was.
“Kelvin had just joined the many heroes we have. The great ambassadors, our sportsmen, and women that keep Kenya on the world map. We had hope and faith that he would keep Kenya on that map even in the coming Olympics.” The president said.
“We have you our athletes, Paris is going to be the Olympics that is going to let it define this man Kelvin. We want you to make Paris and Olympics of Kelvin Kiptum.”
Kiptum died early this month in a road accident, alongside his Rwandese coach Gervais Hakizimana.
Hakizimana was laid to rest at Rusororo cemetery in Rwanda on Wednesday this week.
World Athletics head Sebastian Coe, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei, veteran athletes, and members of parliament among others were present at the funeral service.
AK President Tuwei regretted that the country will miss the late World marathon record holder in the forthcoming games.
Speaking during the funeral service of the athlete, Tuwei said Kiptum was among those shortlisted to participate in the Paris Marathon in France.
“We wish to ask those who will be in Paris to train hard and run tactically as a team and bring the victory back to Kenya in honor of our departed Kelvin Kiptum.” He said.
Tuwei also announced that a foundation will be launched to help fund education and infrastructure projects which Kelvin Kiptum was engaged in.
Tuwei reiterated the commitment by Athletics Kenya to fully support the program.
“To keep the memory of Kiptum alive and support his family and community, Golazo is launching the Kelvin Kiptum Foundation.” He announced.
“The fund will predominantly provide continued financial support for education and infrastructure.”
The government has built a fully furnished three-bedroom house for Kiptum at his Naiberi farm, in Uasin Gishu. They also fully catered for the burial arrangements and cost.