Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge was yet again feted during the annual Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year Awards, which was held at Mombasa Sports Club on Friday, January 24.
In an event that was live-streamed on Facebook by the telco, for the second year in a row, Kipchoge was crowned the 2019 Sports Personality of the Year.
The track legend and 2019 World Athlete of The Year became the first person to ever run a sub-two-hour marathon when he took part in the INEOS 1:59 challenge on October 12, 2019.
"Am overwhelmed for this victory. Human beings have two legs but I have another extra leg. Sports is the only way to unite Kenyans," Kipchoge stated.
"If you want to have freedom, get into sports and you will never regret. My legacy is not to build houses but to see sports bring Kenyans together," he stated.
The Berlin Marathon record holder urged members of the public to embrace healthy lifestyles by participating in sporting activities.
Also feted during the historic night was Helen Obiri. She was voted Sports Woman of The Year. This is after she successfully defended her 5,000 meters title at the 2019 World Championships that were held in Doha, Qatar.
The national women's volleyball team- Malkia Strikers was named the 2019 Sports Team of The Year in the women's category, while Kenya Commercial Bank Rugby team was voted as the 2019 Sports Team of The Year in the men's category.
Malkia Strikers earned a spot at the 2020 Olympics after a 16-year absence from the summer event.
Also feted during the awards was Samuel Mushai- Sportsman Living With a Disability, Catherine Nyaga- Sportswoman Living With a Disability, Paul Bitok (Malkia Strikers coach) - Coach of The Year, Kenya Special Olympics- Federation of The Year, and Geoffrey Okwatch (rugby player)- as the Most Promising Player, Men's Category.
Jentrix Shikangwa of Harambee Starlets was named the Most Promising Player, Women's Category, Stephen Ndegwa and Marian Bianchi of the Aga Khan Academy- Most Outstanding Player, boys and girls category respectively, while Justin Kigware of Kwathanze Girls High School was named School Coach of The Year.
Kakmega High School and Kwathanze Girls School were named the best schools in terms of sport in the boys and girls categories respectively. Johanna Omolo of Harambee Stars was recognised with the Community Hero Award, while Dorcas Ndasaba was an inductee into the SOYA Hall of Fame.
Omolo was feted for his efforts in the Johanna Omolo Foundation which creates opportunities, hope, and inspiration for the underprivileged in society through sports and education. It is based in Dandora, Nairobi County.
