By Dong Wong Lee

Kenya’s status as a sporting powerhouse, especially when it comes to long-distance running, is a source of national pride. Millions of Kenyans were glued to their screens throughout the Olympics, cheering on their compatriots who were seeking the top step on the podium during the Paris Games.

Throughout its history, Kenya has achieved great things in the realm of sport – from 1964 when Wilson Kiprugut won the bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, through to when the Kenya 7s team dominated the international SVNS circuit, Eliud Kipchoge became the first human to run a marathon in under 2 hours in 2019, and Faith Kipyegon setting two world records in 2023.

However, achieving sustained excellence in international sports is not a matter of chance. It requires a strong foundation of local leagues, competitions, and support systems to nurture talent at its earliest stages and keep it thriving.

Local competitions are the backbone of any sports industry, serving as the training ground for athletes who then go on to represent the country at global stages. In Kenya, just as in many other countries, local sporting infrastructure faces significant challenges ranging from inadequate funding and limited facilities, to lack of support structures.

Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in local competitions at all levels will set up budding athletes for success and establish a strong feeder system for national teams.

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While Kenya is recognized as the birthplace of some generational sporting talents, it is crucial to understand their journeys began with homegrown competitions. MacDonald Mariga’s path to English and Italian football league superstardom started off at Kamukunji High School as part of the “Goldeb Boys” squad, alongside Dennis Oliech. Eliud Kipchoge’s Ineos 1:59 Challenge would never have been possible without his participation in local cross country runs in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

There is a dual advantage to increasing their visibility. The first is inspiring budding athletes to take part with the belief that they too can achieve greatness. The second is putting the weight of a nation behind these competitions as the public rallies support for them.

Given the benefits of local competitions, private sector support for Kenya’s sporting events is invaluable. Standard Chartered Bank has long championed Kenyan runners through its annual StanChart Nairobi Marathon, which attracts thousands of participants, from casual runners to full-time professionals. This year, LG East Africa has joined as a key supporter, contributing screens and other resources to enhance the 2024 marathon experience.

This, however, is not LG’s first foray into the field. Through a partnership with the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), LG gives a Sportsperson of the Month award to outstanding athletes. 2024 is the ninth consecutive year that the award is happening, indicating continuous support for Kenyan sporting talent by LG.

The existing support for sports by some businesses is likely to inspire similar action by other private sector players, creating a domino effect that will see more resources directed towards local leagues and competitions.

Investing in local sports not only impacts the athletes but also has broader benefits. A vibrant sports environment generates employment in the form of multiple supporting roles, spurs sport-related tourism and even promotes local businesses. In a country where local sports thrive, fans travel cross-country following their favorite athletes and teams, purchasing from local SMEs wherever they go.

Furthermore, having attractive local competitions and leagues draws in athletes from all over the world and will make Kenya a regional hub for sports. Such a development would highlight Kenya’s potential, placing the country as a destination for a variety of sporting disciplines.

The journey to global recognition in sport is not solely defined by international medals. Instead, it starts with building a foundation that emphasises community support, celebrates local achievements and fosters a sense of pride in homegrown talent.

Mr. Lee is LG Electronics East Africa Managing Director.