Italian NGO Donates Training Shoes to Over 1,000 Athletes in Elgeyo Marakwet
In a significant boost to local talent, more than 1,000 athletes in Elgeyo Marakwet received new training shoes from “In Your Shoes,” an Italian non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting emerging athletes. The initiative aims to provide quality footwear to those who have been training without proper shoes, ensuring they have the necessary equipment to compete at higher levels.
The donation was warmly welcomed by H.E. Governor Wisley Rotich, who highlighted the challenges faced by many athletes in the region. “Our county is home to numerous talented athletes, but a lack of proper training shoes has hindered their potential,” he stated. “Many have only a single pair of shoes that they reserve for major races, limiting their opportunities to shine.”
The initiative has been a game-changer for many beneficiaries. Maxwell Kiprono, one of the recipients, expressed his gratitude, noting that he had previously trained in rubber shoes that often slipped off during runs, forcing him to run barefoot at times. “Running without proper shoes led to blisters and injuries,” Kiprono shared. “I am thrilled to finally have a pair of training shoes that will support my efforts.”
Mr. Francisco Grimaldi, who led the team from “In Your Shoes,” emphasized their commitment to identifying deserving athletes with the assistance of local coaches. “We have seen incredible talent in Iten, and we are dedicated to supporting these athletes by providing them with the gear they need,” he explained.
Renowned coach David Cheromei also weighed in on the impact of the donation, stating that many talented athletes had previously been locked out of competitions due to inadequate footwear. “Almost every athlete training in Iten or any other camp in this county has the potential to win races. Unfortunately, many of them have had to compete in subpar shoes,” Cheromei noted. “This initiative will undoubtedly open doors for more athletes.”
Grimaldi also mentioned the potential for future donations, contingent on easing tax restrictions on athletic footwear. Governor Rotich pledged to intervene, promising to facilitate a smoother process for future contributions. “We will ensure that there are no hurdles in bringing in more shoes for our athletes,” he stated.
The donation from “In Your Shoes” marks a crucial step toward enhancing the training conditions for athletes in Elgeyo Marakwet, ensuring that they have the resources they need to compete and excel on both local and international stages.
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