MOI STAR

This project is based on the fact that sports is an important tool for development and can contribute in different ways towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Sports is important for physical and mental health, enable people learn other skills, binds communities together and to some is a source of income. However, in most developing countries, there is a lack of sports facilities which deprives communities to benefit from sports. Even with these odds, athletes from Eldoret, Kenya have always dominated world long distance athletics. The high altitude and the athletes’ physical features have been considered main basis of the success. Even with the success of Eldoret in international athletics,
the region still lacks even basic sporting facilities. This is the challenge that the Sports Training and Recreation (STAR) project addresses.
Aims of the STAR projectBased on the above background, the aim of the project is to bring together local
(Kenyan) and international partners to develop a modern and multidisciplinary sports
facility in Eldoret for the use of the local community, the university and top
sportsmen.
The project main pillars are:
A. Elite sports facility
B. Recreational sports facility
C. Sports Medicine, Nutrition and Research
D. Training of Trainers- this would lead to awarding of certificates, diplomas,
E. Hostel and Catering.

Founding partners
The founding partners of the STAR project are;
• Moi University (Kenya’s second largest University located in Eldoret, the home of Kenya’s long distance runners),
• The Kenya Athletes Welfare Association composed of many world renowned medalists.
• Maastricht University has had long partnership with Moi University, has one of the leading centers in Sports Medicine and has supported most of the initial parts of the project.
• Bart Veldkamp, renowned World Athlete from the Netherlands has visited the project team and supported the initial parts including the feasibility study done by Delft University.
• Lornah Kiplagat, a leading Dutch long distance runner and medalist of Kenyan backgrounds.
Status of the project
The STAR project has already accomplished the following;
• Key stakeholders have been identified and are now pursuing the objectives of the project.
• Maastricht University has supported and facilitated two workshops on the project.
• Four strategic venues have been proposed.
• Feasibility study and planning for the project has been
accomplished.
• Proposed organizational structure and legal framework
have been developed and is being discussed.
• Broad involvement of key local participants in Kenya
and Eldoret region.
• Fundraising strategies are ongoing.

Implementing organisations: Universiteit Maastricht – Faculty Health Medicine and Life Sciences, TU Delft, Kenya Athletes Welfare Association
Bart Veldkamp, Lornah Kiplagat.

Project Manager Mundo: Geraldine van Kasteren.