The 2016 Rio Olympics commenced today and we couldn’t help but be inspired by the recent award given to a fantastic athlete, Kipchoge Keino. Congratulations to KIPCHOGE KEINO of Kenya, who was the first athlete to win the new Olympic Laurel award at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Kip was a track and field athlete who and won numerous gold medals in his time.
Since then, I have been researching this man to find out more about his work and I am in awe.
When asked about his childhood and how he started running he has responded “When I started at primary school. I ran in my bare feet four miles (aprox. 6km) to school in the morning, home for lunch, again for afternoon school and back at the end of the day. I did this every day until I left school.” This began for him as a 5 year old.
Since retirement Kip has set up an orphanage for nearly 100 Kenyan children, opened a primary school and a high school for over 300 Kenyan children and has also set up a training centre for promising athletes!
As Kip ran out to receive his award tonight, a nervous and puffed man used key quotes like “education is a weapon” and “food, shelter and education”.
Kip also said “We come into this world with nothing… and depart this world with nothing… it’s what we contribute to the community that is our legacy.”
A great humanitarian who believes EDUCATION IS VITAL FOR CHANGE and positive sustainability and is currently trying to achieve this.
Well done Kipchoge Keino! Great to see you recognised for your achievements and contributions in front of the world!