Absa Bank Kenya has rolled out a financial management and nutrition program for 105 athletes ahead of the highly anticipated Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour set for February 22 at Lobo Village, Eldoret.
The wellness training, held at Kaptagat Training Camp, was spearheaded in collaboration with legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge. The initiative focused on equipping athletes with money management skills, budgeting, and retirement planning, as well as nutrition training to enhance performance. The sessions were facilitated by Nutrition by Nthenya, an Absa Business Club member, renowned for its expertise in sports nutrition.
Speaking during the event, Julius Songok, Absa Bank Kenya’s Regional Manager for the Rift Valley Cluster, emphasized the bank’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to athlete development that extends beyond competition.
“As a financial institution, we recognize that success in athletics is not just about talent but also financial literacy, proper nutrition, and access to high-quality sportswear,” said Songok. “This program reflects our dedication to the well-being of athletes, ensuring that they are equipped for financial stability both during and after their careers.”
Eliud Kipchoge, a global athletics icon, echoed the importance of financial discipline, drawing from his own experience.
“I believe knowledge is power, and such seminars help athletes understand how to manage their earnings. Absa’s initiative, which also provides essential resources like food, accommodation, and equipment, should continue so that athletes can make informed financial decisions. I encourage all participants in the Absa Sirikwa Classic to stay focused and give their best performance,” Kipchoge stated.
Absa Bank Kenya Regional Manager for the Rift Valley Cluster Julius Songok, Marketing Manager – Business Banking Naomi Njagua and Communications Manager Yvonne Nkirote with three-time 1500m Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon and two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge at the Kaptagat Training Camp where the Bank organised a financial management and nutrition program for 105 athletes in preparation for the upcoming Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country
In addition to financial literacy and nutrition, the training session featured Sportswear Branding by Badeq, a leading athletic apparel brand and fellow Absa Business Club beneficiary. Badeq provides high-performance gear tailored for professional athletes, underscoring Absa’s commitment to supporting athletes holistically.
The Absa Sirikwa Classic, now in its fourth edition, is a major event on the World Athletics Cross Country Tour calendar. The competition has attracted both local and international elite athletes, with top winners in the senior category set to receive $6,000 (KES 780,000), while the U20 category champions will walk away with $1,250 (KES 162,500).
With fourteen World Athletics Cross Country Tour events held worldwide, the Absa Sirikwa Classic continues to cement Kenya’s position as a global athletics powerhouse. Through strategic partnerships and athlete-centered programs, Absa Bank Kenya is setting a precedent for corporate support in sports, ensuring that athletes are empowered both on and off the track.
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