Kenyans woke up to sad news that former Safaricom boss Bob Collymore had passed on in the morning hours on Monday.
Other than being a torrid business man who had overseen great success in one of the biggest telco company in East and Central Africa, the Englishman had a soft spot for sport.
Under his tenure the company has forked millions into the sports activities as we’re going to see:
Chapa Dimba na Safaricom
He championed the formation of Chapa Dimba na Safaricom: a national football tournament set for both genders between the ages of 16-20.
It is aimed to transform the lives of these young people by offering a platform where they can showcase their talent and develop their skills and tap on their passion for the game at a tender age.
In the just concluded edition saw the winners (Manyatta United for boys and Kitale Queens for girls) walk home with sh.1million each, and the losing finalists pocketing half of that.
Additionally, a total of 32 boys and girls scouted from all the eight regions (Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, Eastern, Coast, Central, North Eastern and Nairobi), formed the Chapa Dimba na Safaricom All-Stars. The youngsters were treated to a ten-day training camp in Spain in May.
Lewa Marathon
Since Collymore took over as CEO in 2010, he ensured that Lewa Marathon which had been in existence for the last 19 years, continued.
The proceeds from the annually held event are directed to community development as well as wildlife conservation efforts in Isiolo.
He has definitely left behind a successful Lewa Marathon.
His efforts and determination to improve the sports sector in Kenya will surely not be forgotten any time soon. The mark is there and can be felt.
Harambee Stars skipper and tournaments ambassador Victor Wanyama took to social media to mourn Collymore.
My heartfelt condolences to
, family and friends of Mr Bob Collymore.R.I.P Sir
… Twitted Wanyama.
Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa thanked hem for coming on board in promoting grassroot football.
“Till we meet again my friend. You were there for us when we needed you most for the game at the grassroots.”
FKF president.
Marathon world record holder, Kipchoge Keino praised Collymore for the efforts he had put toward the sportsmen and women in the country.
“My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of safaricom CEO Mr. BOB COLLYMORE. Sportsmen/women will remember you forever. May you rest in peace”
The 61-year-old succumbed to acute myeloid leukemia leaving behind a wife and four children. He is set to be buried tomorrow.
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