DBA ATHLETICS RACE FUND
INTRODUCTION
The DBA Athletics Race Fund is here to support Kenyan athletes facing financial barriers to compete in races.
Kenyan athletes, particularly in distance running, are among the world's best but often lack the financial resources to compete. Many athletes live off £85 / $115 a month, struggling with the costs of entry fees, travel, and other essentials, but still train up to 180 km a week purely on determination and hope.
This fund aims to provide a lifeline by covering these expenses, enabling athletes to showcase their skills, catch the eyes of management and sponsors whilst reaching their potential and earning a living to support their families.
OBJECTIVES
- Support Race Entry & Logistics: The fund will cover the race entry of every recipient and the additional logistical costs will be supported on a case by case basis i.e. travel, and accommodation.
- Provide Opportunities: By reducing the financial barriers, we will enable athletes to participate in local and potentially international competitions, thus enhancing their exposure and increasing their chances of being scouted by agents & sponsors.
- Encourage Excellence: Athletes will have the opportunity to compete at the highest level, improve their personal bests, and showcase their talent on the athletics stage.
- Impact Lives: With financial support from the fund, athletes will not only gain the chance to compete but also earn prize money that can help them secure their livelihood, ensuring that they do not have to choose between pursuing their passion and providing for their families. It also gives them hope and motivation.
HOW IT WORKS
Public Support: The fund will rely on the support of the athletics fan, sports enthusiast, running lover and the large number of Kenya sports fans around the world.
People can contribute to the fund in two ways:
- A monthly contribution that is affordable to individuals.
- One-time donations that can have a large impact no matter how big or small.
Fund Allocation
All funds raised will be used exclusively to cover the expenses of athletes who would otherwise not be able to afford to compete. This includes:
- Race entry fees of every athlete.
- Travel and accommodation on a case by case basis.
How It Is Going
Earlier in the year, DBA Founder Storm Trentham designed the DBA Athletics Race Fund, which she later launched in August. This initiative was born from various trips to Iten and speaking to many athletes. The conversations proved there was a fundamental necessity: ensuring that financial barriers did not stand in the way of athletic excellence. The fund was designed to cover the essential pillars of competition, race entry fees, transport, and accommodation, providing athletes with the stability required to compete at their highest potential.
Impact and Outreach
Throughout the inaugural year, the fund has successfully supported 98 athletes, both able bodied and para-athletes, facilitating their participation in 10 different local and international races. To ensure the resources reached those with the greatest potential and need, DBA Africa maintained a transparent selection process, collaborating closely with elite coaches, managers, and renowned training centres in Iten, Rift Valley.
Athletes that applied for the fund were trying to enter into various events, whether chasing a qualifying time, personal best, financial gain or to be scouted, everyone had a huge reason to run.
MONITORING & REPORTING
Impact on Kenyan Athletics
The DBA Athletics Race Fund will not only change individual lives but will also have a ripple effect on the wider Kenyan athletics community.
As more athletes receive support to race, the overall standard of Kenyan athletics will improve, leading to more success on the world stage. This creates a positive feedback loop where more athletes rise through the ranks, gain recognition, and attract further sponsorship for the sport.
Impact and communication to the donors:
- You will be part of supporting the careers of highly talented, yet financially disadvantaged, athletes. You are providing hope, motivation and opportunities.
- You will receive a monthly newsletter with the updates of how many athletes we supported and in which races, along with the success stories.
- You can follow the athletes and races on our social media.