Ruto Promises Millions in Cash Prize for Sportsmen

DP William Ruto speaking during a meeting withs with faith-based leaders in Mombasa County on august 29, 2020.
DP William Ruto speaking during a meeting with faith-based leaders in Mombasa County on August 29, 2020.
DPPS

Deputy President William Ruto on Tuesday, September 22, promised millions to sportsmen living with disabilities should they win medals in international sporting activities.

Ruto was speaking as he hosted a group of persons with disabilities and a section of leaders at his residence in Karen, Nairobi.

The Deputy President apologised for the poor treatment sportsmen and women with disabilities have been subjected to from the government and promised a cash prize to top performers.

Star midfielder Sheril Angachi (right) displays her MVP trophy at the conclusion of the Turkish Women's Cup on March 10, 2020.
Star midfielder Sheril Angachi (right) displays her MVP trophy at the conclusion of the Turkish Women's Cup on March 10, 2020.
Twitter

"Sportsmen and women with disabilities are facing numerous challenges, they have slept on the road and airports. Let me take his opportunity on behalf of the government to apologise.

"Every sportsman participating in international sports will be getting Ksh1 million for every gold won. Those who win silver, will get Ksh500,000 while those who get bronze will get Ksh250,000," he noted.

Ruto added that the government was in the process of improving how sportsmen with disabilities are treated whenever they travel to represent the country.

The Jubilee Deputy Party Leader also called for equality between sportsmen across the board regardless of the sport or their abilities.

The Kenya Amputee Football team was subjected to poor treatment from the government as they were forced to stage a sit-in at the sports ministry’s Kencom House headquarters to draw attention to their plight.

The team spent 18 hours at the Frankfurt Airport without a meal as they journeyed back home from Guadalajara, Mexico after taking part in the Amputee World Cup.

Aside from sports, Ruto also urged the government to be non-discriminatory in the award of businesses to the people with disabilities.

"We should not award them light tenders on the basis of their physical ability. If they can deliver on road construction and other heavy projects, let them be given the chance and no doubt, they will deliver," added Ruto.

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