Omanyala secures sponsorship boost ahead of Paris Olympics action

Kenyan sprint sensation Ferdinand Omanyala has received a significant boost as he prepares to make his mark at the Olympic Games currently underway in Paris. This is after Kenya Breweries Limited, through its flagship brand Tusker, has announced a Ksh 5 million sponsorship deal to support the Africa 100m record holder.

Omanyala, who proudly carried the Kenyan flag at the opening ceremony, is set to make his Olympic track appearance this Saturday, in the 100m men’s heats.

Excited about the new partnership, Omanyala expressed his gratitude for the support and confidence shown by Tusker.

"This partnership with Tusker comes at a crucial time as I ramp up my training for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This support from KBL will not only enhance my preparations but also inspire me to achieve greater heights. I have been working tirelessly with my coaching team to ensure I am in peak form for the Games. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making Kenya proud on the global stage. I urge all Kenyans to rally behind Team Kenya and cheer us on as we aim to bring the medals home from Paris," said Omanyala.

KBL Managing Director Mark Ocitti said that the partnership is part of the company’s broader commitment to Team Kenya during this year’s Olympic Games in Paris aimed at supporting the team's preparations and logistical necessities for the highly anticipated event.

"Our partnership with Ferdinand Omanyala underscores our steadfast support for Team Kenya. We believe in the immense potential of our athletes and are dedicated to providing them with the resources they need to excel. Ferdinand's remarkable achievements and dedication to his sport make him an exemplary ambassador for our brand. We have great trust in his abilities and are confident that he will represent Kenya with distinction at the Olympics. We call upon all Kenyans to support Ferdinand and the entire Team Kenya as they prepare to compete in Paris. Let’s unite and cheer them on to victory," said Ocitti.

The partnership with Omanyala is the latest move by the company to support Team Kenya during the Olympics. It follows sponsorship commitment of Ksh. 20 million to the National Olympic Committee of Kenya and Ksh. 10 million more towards supporting Kenya’s National Volleyball team Malkia Strikers and the sprinters teams. The sponsorships grant EABL to use the athletes’ images for communication during the Olympic period.

Omanyala who finished fourth in the men’s 100m final at the Hungary World Athletics Championships, will be seeking to become the first 100m runner to clinch an Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games scheduled July 26th - August 11, 2024. The last time an African athlete scaled the Olympic podium in the sprints was at Atlanta 1996 when retired Namibian great Frankie Fredricks won silvers in the men's 100m and 200m finals.

Omanyala who holds the 9.77 seconds African record, underlined his credentials when he won the Kenyan Olympic Trial in 9.79 which was until last week, the fastest time of the year.

In readiness for the Olympics, Omanyala recently competed at the FBK Games in Hengelo, Netherlands, marking his final event before the Paris 2024 Olympics. He clocked 10.01 to cut the tape, ahead of United States’ Ronnie Baker (10.03) and Canada’s Andre de Grasse (10.07) in second and third respectively.

It was an opportunity for the African champion to gauge his level of preparedness ahead of the Olympics, where he hopes to deliver an outstanding performance following his semi-final appearance at the 2020 Tokyo Games.