Jackson Tuwei realises the importance of maintaining balance between home and sport – Athletics News
Jackson Tuwei, vice-chairman of Athletics Kenya, visited late Samuel Wanjiru’s home, to extend his sympathies
to the grieved family of the long distance entertainer. The VC emphasised on the importance of athletes to understand on how to maintain a balance between their sport and family life.
After Wanjiru’s unexpected departure, every fan of the entertaining runner is suffering from a sense of deprivation.
Wanjiru, the 24-year old long distance runner had not only made his friends habitual of him, but also made a custom that his fans would closely follow all of the events he would participate in.
The young athlete, who had devoted his life for supporting the youth of his area to emerge in the game, eventually
could not dedicate enough time to his family and young children. He might have had tried to make them feel his presence, but now, after losing him for good, his family wishes to have had spent more time with him.
When asked from her four year daughter, Ann Wanjiru, the daughter of the Olympic Marathon runner, the young girl
said, “Dad went to town; he will come and take me to Japan.” The emotions expressed by his daughter rightly emphasise upon the fact that besides the game, how important it was for the athlete to have had spent more time with his family.
Pointing out the gap in general athletes’ lives, the executives visiting Wanjiru’s home for condolences decided
to devise an immediate plan. While revealing details about the new initiative, Tuwei said, “We have a programme to educate young athletes on how to live and balance between family and their fast life on the track. We are very saddened by the loss of such a
great talent, the first to bring Olympic marathon glory to us.”
Adding to his remarks, Tuwei also announced sustained help for Wanjiru’s family. While advising them to not to
lose heart, he said, “We will provide all support and encouragement to see that Wanjiru’s family lives well. He left behind very young children and we want them to grow just as he would have wished.”
Remembering his last days among his loved ones, the delegation also revealed how Wanjiru had financially helped
a squad of 15 runners to travel and take part in the Mombasa Marathon.
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