Developing Talent
Improving Lives…
Since first visiting Iten, It’s fair to say that my visit had a profound effect on me. Immersing myself in the community and being made so welcome. Creating lasting friendships and memories of a lifetime…
When I returned from my first visit in October 2021, I knew that I had to do something. The sheer talent of the athletes, the hunger to succeed, yet so challenging with so little employment, and with very little access to much of what we just take for granted.
With help from my good friend Elisha, we created a group of five young and talented athletes. Through financial support, guidance and mentorship, the group are making great progress.
When I returned in April 2022, I arranged to meet Daniel Ngetich, a friend from my first visit. Daniel coaches many elite athletes in Kenya, and together with Elisha, we created a plan - welcome to ‘Developing Talent, Improving Lives…’.
I continue to work with groups of talented athletes, and those that progress sufficiently, are then able to move to the guidance of Coach Daniel, in the hope that they can become fully self-sufficient as a result of the success that they are then able to achieve as athletes.
The difference we can make is captured in the words below
PERIS’S STORY
Peris is the latest addition to my team. A talented schoolgirl athlete but with no opportunity. Her story gets worse. Her parents were tragically murdered and Peris abused.
She managed to make the 300k trip to Iten where she was introduced to my good friend Coach Daniel Ngetich. We were introduced on one of my visits to Kenya, and Peris became part of my group.
Now with a roof over her head, and food on the table, Peris is training hard, and now with a smile on her face.
DENNIS’S STORY
For the last two years, we have been able to bring Dennis to race in The UK.
In his first race he placed second behind a UK international athlete and won £400. Next time, he won and received £500. What he then did with the money & on both occasions is humbling. He gave the money straight to his uncle, and who then grew a field of maize to feed a village - for some, life changing.
August 2024…Dennis has now become the fourth of the group to have been offered a scholarship through his athletic excellence, and flies to Texas. Soon we plan to work on marathon training.
Nathaniel, Denista & Nancy
Denista had no bed three years ago. He recently ran 27.30 10k on the track. In 2025, we are targeting a 12.40 5k. The world record is 12.35 and only five people in history have run 12.40 or quicker!
Scholarships have been achieved for Nathaniel in Australia, Denista in Alabama, and Nancy in Tennessee.
When you offer people opportunities,
remarkable things can happen.
The story has no ending, this is a journey with no finish. We are creating a Team…Team Imani (Kenyan for belief & faith)…a Team of people with one common objective. To overcome challenges and to develop into top class athletes. As we develop talent, we can improve the lives of more than just our atletes. The future is exciting. The future for our atletes is bright. We are Team Imani.
Follow all of the action via out Instagram page… https://www.instagram.com/imanirunningteam/
A funding link is in the above, for those that may want to help.
How you can help
Since I first started giving ‘My Kenyan Experience’ talks, many people have approached me to ask how they can get involved.
With my visits to Kenya becoming now more regular, we have the opportunity to help additional athletes, talented yet with no access to the essentials to help them on their journey.
Be it simple donations, sponsorship or metaphorically adopting an athlete, we can make a huge difference to the lives of others, and in doing so, perhaps create champions of the future.
Outside of my group of athletes, and not included in the donations highlighted, help has also been provided for school uniforms, schoolbooks, medicines and to stop families from becoming homeless.
Huge thanks to Catriona & Mike Marshall. Their charity, Transformimg Lives, has donated £7,000 to date.
With the help of The Farm Club, and big thanks, we have our first sponsored athlete…Dennis Kipkemboi. The Farm Club are big supporters of the development of the group…Team Imani (Belief/Faith).
https://www.instagram.com/imanirunningteam/
A link is in the above for anyone wanting to help.
Transparency
Any financial donations made will be tracked from start to finish, ensuring that every penny will make a difference.
Julie Lucas Chartered Accountant ACA will audit all financials and has experience of auditing in the Charity sector.
What next?
Just contact Nick, to arrange a ‘My Kenyan Experience’ talk for your group or club / team, and discuss possible ways to make a difference… ‘Improving lives… developing talent’.
£30,993.96
Gifted to date!
The Simple Life of an Athlete
From left - Evans Kurui (13 min 5K & international), Dennis, Elisha & friends.
Find out more
Contact Nick to learn more about booking a talk and / or supporting Iten athletes.