体坛英语新闻：Kenya to showcase culture, hospitality at London Olympics

NAIROBI, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's plans to have a house at the London Olympics in Britain where they will showcase the East African nation's culture and hospitality received a boast on Thursday.

This is after Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) donated 301,204 US dollars towards the plan spearheaded by Brand Kenya.

KCB Group chief executive Martin Oduor-Otieno said on Thursday that the firm was glad to be part of the Kenya Hospitality House at the London Olympics, which will take place between July 27 and August 12 this year.

"We are delighted to be partnering with Brand Kenya in the hospitality house. This really is going to be an exciting opportunity for us and the Kenyan people in celebrating Team Kenya as it goes for gold medals at the games," said Oduor-Otieno.

He noted that the Kenya Hospitality House was a historic facility that will bring Kenyan in Diaspora and other visitors together in one place as a dedicated audience.

The Kenya House, according to Brand Kenya, will be a place where everyone can visit and enjoy friendly Kenyan atmosphere whilst cheering on the athletes.

It will provide an out-of-competition base for athletes and their supporters, as well as representatives of the National Athletics Committee of Kenya and their guests.

Visitors will be able to enjoy live action on large screens in a relaxing atmosphere punctuated by themes ranging from Kenya's culture and art, tourism, fashion, property, cuisine, commerce and trade.

"The initiative has huge long-term potential for boosting the country's business in various areas. It is about leveraging on sport as a marketing tool for Kenya," Brand Kenya CEO Mary Kimonye said recently.

Kenya has already secured a venue at the London Olympics for a cost of 236,746 dollars for a 30-day period.