In summary
- Alexander who is a Kenyan born in Germany in a long post on Instagram revealed how she has been funding herself in order to represent Kenyans in international sporting events
- In the detailed post Alexander further revealed that her efforts to reach out to sports officials in Kenya have been futile.
Kenyan fencer Alexandra Ndolo has expressed frustrations with the Kenyan Sports Ministry for refusing to support her.
Alexandra who is a Kenyan born in Germany in a long post on Instagram revealed how she has been funding herself in order to represent Kenyans in international sporting events.
“But here is the truth:
So far I have organized & financed ALL of my fencing season. I have planned, booked & paid for every single training camp & competition. I have traveled to many competitions without my coach & not once taken a physio with me. For a fencer of my caliber this is not just unusually, it is unheard of,” said Alexandra.
She says that this has in turn left her broke and in deep debts.
“Despite this I have completely exhausted my recourses & built up a debt that is quite frankly threatening my existence,” said Alexandra.
In the detailed post Alexander further revealed that her efforts to reach out to sports officials in Kenya have been futile.
“I can’t afford to promote fencing in Kenya, assure visibility for the young Kenyan athletes, the young Kenyan coaches & provide results for the officials whilst getting no support WHAT SO EVER.
“All I have received these past 9 months have been empty words & promises from the Kenyan Fencing Federation & the Kenyan sports system. Whilst being happy to boast about their new sport & new top ten world ranking player no one was able to put actions behind their words,” she stated.
Situation taking a toll on her performance
The 36 year old further stated how her background has affected her financial status both in Kenya and abroad.
“I am very sensitive to money problems, because being the child of immigrants usually means growing up culturally richer, but financially poorer than most of your age-mates (I guess there is something about seeing or rather feeling your parents struggle that never quite leaves you).”
While admitting how difficult it is for her to open up, she hopes that the Kenyan government will swiftly move in and save the situation.
“Publicly admitting all of this is very difficult for me, but at this point keeping quiet is taking a toll on my performance, more than any injury or heartache has ever done.
“To the Kenyan sports system I want to say if you truly want to embrace me, not just with words, if you truly want to be on this road to Paris together, put some actions behind your words.”
