Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its flagship brand Tusker, has embarked on a nation-wide campaign dubbed "Champions of Cheers" which aims to unite Kenyans in support of Team Kenya as they prepare to compete in the Paris 2024 Games, scheduled from July 26th to August 11th, 2024.
The "Champions of Cheers" campaign is part of KBL’s support for Team Kenya in this year’s Paris Games, building upon the company’s sponsorship commitment of Ksh. 30 million to NOC-K (National Olympic Committee of Kenya) (National Olympics Committee of Kenya) aimed at ensuring ample preparation and logistical support for Team Kenya.
KBL Managing Director, Mark Ocitti, expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, "We are incredibly proud to support Team Kenya through our Tusker brand. The 'Champions of Cheers' campaign is not just about our sponsorship of the team; it’s about rallying the entire nation to stand behind our athletes."
“Through this campaign, we want to create a united front which we believe will significantly boost the morale and performance of our athletes, showing them that their fellow Kenyans are behind them every step of the way,” he added.
The "Champions of Cheers" campaign will feature a series of activations designed to engage and unite Kenyans in support of their athletes. A key component of the campaign is the National consumer promotion, which will allow consumers to participate in various activities to show their support for Team Kenya, with exciting prizes to be won. Additionally, the campaign will include consumer engagement events across the country to bring Kenyans together in support of the athletes while competing in the Paris 2024 Games.
Kenyans will also be encouraged to share their messages of encouragement and cheer for Team Kenya through various digital platforms.
Paul Tergat, President of NOC-K, commended KBL for its continued support, stating, "We thank KBL for their unwavering support and investment in our athletes. This partnership is crucial in our mission to uplift the quality and standards of the sports industry in Kenya. With such backing, we are confident that Team Kenya will perform exceptionally well in Paris. We encourage Kenyans to get involved with Champions of Cheers campaign to show support to our athletes as they compete in Paris."
Kenya aims to field a contingent of between 80 and 90 athletes for the Paris 2024 Games, with the final number dependent on the qualification process and the selection of athletes by NOC-K. The team will include athletes from various sports, including track and field, athletics, fencing, boxing, and team sports like volleyball and rugby.
Several teams and athletes have already qualified for the Paris 2024 Games, including the Malkia Strikers, Kenya’s national volleyball team, who made history as the first Kenyan volleyball team to secure qualification courtesy of their triumph at the 2023 Africa Women’s Nations Cup.
The Kenya Sevens Rugby Team, Shujaas has also secured their place in the Paris 2024 Games, marking their second consecutive appearance in the Games. They confirmed their participation after winning the Rugby Africa Men's Sevens 2023 in Harare.
Kenya’s marathon team also boasts an impressive lineup of athletes with the men’s team including the legendary Eliud Kipchoge, Benson Kipruto, who finished second at the Tokyo 2021, and Alexander Munyao, the reigning London Marathon champion. Timothy Kiplagat, who finished fourth in Tokyo will serve as the alternate.
The women’s marathon team is equally strong, led by Peres Jepchirchir, the current women’s marathon world record holder. Brigid Kosgei, who has a personal best of 2:14:04, and Hellen Obiri, known for her remarkable achievements in long-distance running, are also part of the team. Sharon Lokedi, who finished fourth at the Tokyo 2021 Games, will serve as the alternate.
In addition, Alexandra Ndolo, a pioneering fencer, became the first Kenyan fencer to qualify for the Paris 2024 Games, setting a remarkable precedent for the sport in Kenya.