7th October 2022, Nairobi: The Technology Service Providers of Kenya has launched its inaugural 2022 TESPOK Autism Half-Marathon.
The marathon, themed “Be a Hero – Accept, Understand and Love” is geared towards raising funds and rallying support for children living with Autism.
While addressing stakeholders during the launch TESPOK’s CEO – Fiona Asonga, noted that the marathon is set to facilitate Autism research to determine the statistics on Autism cases across Kenya, “As part of its commitment to this course, TESPOK will endeavor to spearhead this initiative to reduce stigma albeit creating more awareness and understanding on Autism across Kenya,“ she said.
She further noted that part of TESPOK’s corporate responsibility was to become a problem solver to all communities, “We aim to be an organization that successfully balances the importance of achieving corporate objectives alongside with the responsibility of contributing towards the development of communities around us. Therefore, by hosting this marathon, it is totally in line with our objective of being a socially responsible entity that transforms the lives and livelihoods of Kenyan communities besides further strengthening its relationship with its members.”
On her part, Nairobi Women Representative, Esther Passaris has pledged to partner with TESPOK towards this initiative; inclusive education – in all counties for the Autistic children.
The race – the first of its kind in Africa – was inspired by the worrying statistics presented by the Autism Society of Kenya (ASK); a parent- driven organization established in 2013. The Autism prevalence in Kenya is currently rated higher than the global average with one autistic child among every 25 children.
The 1st edition of the Half-Marathon will be held on Sunday, November 27th, 2022, in Nairobi County. The marathon’s races will include:
▪ 21 Km men and women
▪ 10 Km men and women
▪ 5 Km Wheelchair & amp; CEO’s race
▪ 2 Km for Autistic Children.
Having rallied support from its members, other corporates and the public to ensure that autistic children and adults receive love and care, the Tech Service Provider targets to raise a tune of KES 100 million.
The registration exercise has already kicked off and is currently open online at www.autismmarathon.or.ke. Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya Technical Director George Kariuki has lauded Tespok for choosing to take the proceeds to an autistic charity, adding
that the issue had been shunned for a long time.
