April 19, 2005

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - The BGSU-Kenya 5k Benefit Run is proud to announce that Dr. Kipchoge "Kip" Keino, a world-renowned sports humanitarian, will grace this year's 5k run in support of the organization's efforts to stop the spread of HIV-AIDS in Kenya. The race will be held at the BGSU main campus on April 23, 2005 from 10-1pm (registration and/or participation information shown below). As with previous races, proceeds of this year's run will primarily benefit The Youth Vision International (TYV), a Kenyan NGO that is involved in HIV-AIDS prevention programs in rural areas. Some of the funds will also be used to support the Kip Keino Children's Home for orphaned and abandoned children.

About Dr. Kipchoge "Kip" Keino
Kipchoge "Kip" Keino was born on Jan. 17, 1940 at Kipsano, Nandi Hills, Kenya. He is a world-renowned sports humanitarian. He came to world attention when he beat USA's Jim Ryan to win the gold medal in the 1,500m race at 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico. He later won another gold medal in the 3000m Steeplechase at the 1972 Summer Games. Kip's success not only put Kenya on the international athletic map, it also inspired many of the country's long distance runners and launched its decades-old dominance of long distance running. Although Kip's educational and career prospects were dim, growing up in colonial Kenya, he nevertheless managed to get a basic education and join the police force.

Before bursting on the world stage as a star athlete, Kip and his wife Phyllis were already established humanitarians involved with the care of abandoned and orphaned children. Their humanitarianism began while Kip was in the police and his colleagues began bringing him and his wife abandoned children as well as those orphaned by traffic accidents. He found it hard to say no even though raising many kids on his meager police salary must have been difficult. Because of their tenacity, the Keinos have raised over 90 abandoned and orphaned children besides their own 7 biological children. Many of these children, including his own, have obtained college degrees and become successful professionals.

The Keinos now run the Kip Keino Children's Home, which continues their mission of preparing the next generation, especially the growing population of Kenya's HIV/AIDS orphans. In 2000, the Keino's achieved another milestone when the Kip Keino School, with over 300 children became reality. Keino has received numerous awards for his achievements. Keino's life story truly demonstrates the power of one.

How You Can Help/Participate?
You can help this cause by participating in the race, sponsoring a runner, donating, or volunteering on the race day. Registration is required for those wishing to run the 5k race.

The registration fees are as follows:
Students: $5 or $12 with a BGSU-Kenya 5k Benefit Run T-shirt

Non-students: $10 or $20 a BGSU-Kenya 5k Benefit Run T-shirt

When & Where: The race will be held on April 23, 2005 from 10.00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. The race will start and finish outside the Falcons Football Stadium. Visitors can part in Lot L.

Where to obtain tickets:
Tickets are on sale at BGSU Student Union Lobby. You can also purchase tickets prior to the race on April 23, 2005 at the race venue until 9:30 am.

To mail a donation: Make checks payable to the BGSU-Kenya 5k Benefit Run and mail them to: BGSU-Kenya 5k Benefit Run
Office of Campus Involvement
Bowling Green State University
401 Student Union
Bowling Green, OH 43403

For additional information please visit: http://www.bgsu.edu/studentlife/organizations/kenya5krun/

Or contact
Josh Otiso, President
BGSU-Kenya 5k Benefit Run
Phone (419)-352-9849
Email: ojoshua@bgnet.bgsu.edu