Six athletes who are gearing up to represent the country in various races during the Tokyo Olympics have received scholarships from the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) to help them further sharpen their skills. 

NOC-K president Paul Tergat, who led the awarding of the scholarships in Kericho on Sunday, said the funds from African National Olympics Committee meant for 2020 Olympics, have come at the right time to enable participants  prepare well enough.

“We are committed to partnering with various agencies and other sponsors around the globe with a view to supporting our athletes to excel in their careers. We have just secured these scholarships for our athletes.

We are striving to ensure genuine and deserving athletes benefit from the scholarships,” said Tergat .

The beneficiaries include World 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot, Olympic and World 3,000m steeplechase winner Conceslus Kipruto, World 800m bronze medallist Ferguson Rotich, Emily Cherotich from Lemotit Athletics Training Camp, who is set to compete in 800m, Wycliffe Kinyamal of the same distance and Rodgers Kwemoi of 10,000m.

The six received Sh2.4 million worth of scholarships with another batch set to get a similar amount after every four months.

NOC-K acting secretary general Francis Mutuku said each athlete will receive Sh400,000 for preparation, equipment, training and competition.