Safaricom's Ksh 16.9 Million Cheque For London Medallists

September 18, 2012… Leading integrated communications services provider Safaricom Ltd has today honoured the London Olympics and Paralympics medallists with cash rewards totalling Kshs. 16.9 million
The Olympics contingent which brought home two gold, four silver and five bronze took home a collective sum of Kshs. 9.4 million while the Paralympics team with four gold, one silver and two bronze medals was awarded Kshs. 7.5 million.
The big winners of the day were double Paralympics silver medallist David Korir who got Kshs.2.4 million for lowering world records in the 1,500 m and 800 m T 12 categories and 1500 metres,T46 world record holder and 800 metres,T46 bronze medallist Abraham Tarbei who walked away with a cheque for Kshs. 2.3 million.

David Rudisha, Samuel Mushai and his guide, James Boit got Kshs. 2 million each for setting new world records in their events while Mary Nakhumincha was awarded Kshs.1 million for bagging the coveted Dr. Whang Youn Dai Award for exemplifying the best spirit of the Paralympic Games. 

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Safaricom's Chief Executive Officer Bob Collymore said that awards are a token of appreciation for the time that the athletes have committed in training and sacrifice so as to make the country proud.

"I think it is time we all got together to find out how we can take our sportsmen to the next level. We need to work together with athletics bodies, with government to invest in facilities and programmes that help us develop strength in a wide range of athletics events such as sprints and short distance running," said Collymore. 

ENDS

Notes to the editors:

About Safaricom Corporate
Safaricom provides a comprehensive range of services under one roof. This includes mobile and fixed voice and data services on a variety of platforms. With annual revenues in excess of Kshs 100 billion, it is Kenya's widest 3G network with a growing fibre optic cable footprint and its most expansive WIMAX presence. 
Safaricom pioneered commercial mobile money transfer globally through M-PESA, the most successful such service anywhere in the world. Launched in March 2007 as a money transfer service, it now has over 15 million customers and over 37,000 Agent outlets countrywide.

About Safaricom Sports
Safaricom has had a longstanding tradition of sponsoring major sports events in the country. In 2008, the company offered cash incentives for the Olympics team and the Paralympics teams as motivation for a good performance. The telecoms company was the major sponsor of the 2010 African Athletics Championships, which were the first ever to take place in Kenya. 
Safaricom is also a major sponsor of the Sportsman of the Year Award-SOYA which honors excellence in athletics. The company is also associated with many local races both at the national and community level.

MEDALLISTS TABLE