Students at North Perth Westfield school are going to welcome a special guest Wednesday.
Famed marathon runner and Kenya native Wesley Korir is coming to talk to grades 4-8 students and share his story. Wesley won the 2009 and 2010 LA Marathon and the 2012 Boston Marathon, using his platform with his Canadian wife and fellow runner to start the Kenyan Kids Foundation.
Westfield teacher Tyler Schaefer says the foundation does great work. "Specifically focusing on education, healthcare and resources. So often they collect money but they'll also take, for example, farmers to Kenya to train other people on how to farm."
Korir moved back to Kenya following his successful marathon career and became an independent MP, and alongside his wife, who hails from the St. Clements area, started Kenyan Kids Foundation.
Wesley met his wife while they were both on an athletic scholarship at Louisville State University. Since then, they've done tireless work to help Wesley's people and inspire others around the world. Schaefer notes that North Perth Westfield already has a relationship with Wesley.
"Our school fundraised for the Kenyan Kids Foundation last year, so this is really exciting because we get to meet the athlete who is behind all this and hear his story, as well, and see where all the money we raised goes to."
Schaefer says he's excited for students to learn from such a great role model. Parents and community members are welcome to come see Wesley Korir Wednesday morning at 11:50 at the Westfield school gym in Listowel.
The press release for the North Perth Westfield school hosting famed marathon runner and activist Wesley Korir. (Submitted by North Perth Westfield Elementary)