The Mozzart Re-discover Nandi Road Race slated for July this year, brought to light the vital linkage of the preservation of the environment and the developments of sports in Kenya.
Kenya is not only recognised for its long-distance race speciality, but for wildlife and environmental conservation. To put things in perspective, the United Nations Environment Programme’s headquarters found in Kenya, is a stone’s throw away from Nairobi’s Karura forest.
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| Mozzart Bet Country Manager, Sasa Krneta, as he announced their Ksh 3 million sponsorship. He is joined by Brand Ambassador Amber Ray and Kenyan Athletes participating in the race on July 3. |
“We cannot divorce sports from forestry. Most of these athletes either practise in Kaptagat somewhere in Mt. Elgon. And therefore that’s why we should participate in tree planting, Because if we have more forests you would perform better on the international level as the environment is more conducive for you. And that’s why we are here to support you, ” Ministry for Environment representative, John Chumo, keenly observed during last week’s unveiling of the leading gaming firm as title sponsors.
Interestingly enough, the environment and forestry do share common ground with our sports ability to this extent; that we cannot divorce sports from the environments that have shaped our top athletes.
The theme of combining athletics with the environmental conservation and restoration of the county’s shrinking water towers and wetlands, in the unveiling of title sponsor’s Mozzart Bet, makes all the more sense.
The trees and environment of many Kenyan athletes form the core aspect of their origin and where they dedicate years of commitment to become professionals. It is in these forests they learn how to run as children and harness this ability that elevates them from villagers to international icons celebrated for remarkable feats on track.
The forest cover shapes the conditions that these athletes have come to love running in. Long-distance legend, Eliud Kipchoge, even has a preferred condition to run in which is cool and rainy as they remind him of the forests of Kenya — ‘Kipchoge weather’ they call it.
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| John Chumo, National Environment Complaints Committee and Ministry for Environment and Forestry Representative. |
“The theme of the race has always been in line with Mozzart’s mission to make Kenya a better place for the communities. The forest cover in Nandi is 24% and the intention is to push it to 50% to supplement government efforts of having 10% forest cover countrywide,”
offered Mozzart Bet Country Manager, Sasa Krneta, as he announced their KSh3 million sponsorship.
Beatrice Chebet is one such talented part of the list of star studded international athletes who will be running at the Mozzart Re-discover Nandi Road Race.The Former World Under-20 5,000m champion will first give back to the environment by sowing seedlings in a tree planting exercise on July 2, before racing the next day.
The Former World Under-20 5,000m champion who is currently representing Kenya in the Africa Senior Championships in Mauritius, has her sights set on even bigger dreams.
“I’m targeting the world championship in Oregon but first I want a medal in the African championship in Africa. Everything is belief, I believe in myself and that if I work hard, focus and pray, I will achieve,” she confidently said following Mozzart Bet’s unveiling.
“Everything has its time, let’s not pressure ourselves, we just focus on training and all will be well. I’m currently working on speed and endurance because it is the most important thing in this kind of race. The Mozzart Re-discover Nandi race will encourage upcoming athletes and nurture talents. We are grateful for Mozzart because they give us athletes motivation to do what we do,” Chebet concluded.
