World 800 metres record holder David Rudisha has been made a goodwill ambassador of Maasai Mara University.University’s vice chancellor Prof Mary Malingo said they have decided to use Rudisha, who hails from the region, to market the institution.
David Rudisha
Prof Malingo revealed this during thisd week’s cultural week themed “cultural unity in diversity” where Rudisha presided over the event.
“We have invited several prominent personalities to grace this occasion and we have made Rudisha our ambassador as a way to market the university,” said Prof Walingo.
The event is aimed at helping the Maasai Mara university fraternity to live in unity while appreciating their different ethnic, social and political backgrounds. The vice chancellor said the celebrations are being used to promote cultural integration and to nurture talent.
While acknowledging the honour from the institution’s ambassador, Rudisha challenged the university to use the rich Maasai culture with a way of marketing it.
“Many tourists come to Maasai Mara and are interested to find out how the Maasai community co-exists with wild animals in their environment. The fact that this institution is situated in that heart of Maasai, it should also be an added advantage when it comes to marketing the institution,” Rudisha said.
He challenged students to embrace sports stating it is a multimillion shilling investment.“I challenge you to exploit your talents, develop it because you never know how it can help you in the future,” said Rudisha.
The Maasai Mara University student leader Mark Salaoni said the event which will be held annually will be used to nurture and promote talent among the university students.
“The Maasa Mara University wants to take advantage of the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve and renowned athlete David Rudisha who comes from this county to lift the institution to the next level,” said Salaoni.He expressed optimism the event will attract investors to come put up structures at the university.
“The university suffers from acute accommodation facilities which we have highlighted during the celebrations. We are optimistic that well wishers will help the university develop indoor and outdoor games,” said the student leader.
By KIPLANG’AT KIRUI, The Star
