[From Dww-work]… A MODERN DAY HERO

Kenyan runner Kipchoge Keino won a gold medal in the 1,500 meters at the 1968 Olympics, in spite of suffering from a gallbladder infection. At later Olympics, Keino would add another gold and two silvers to his medal collection. It is only natural that Kenya would choose Kip Keino to serve as the running coach for its Olympic teams from 1976 to 1986. Under his guidance, Kenyan runners continued to distinguish themselves in the world of sports.

All these accomplishments would be enough to make Kip Keino a celebrity among the people of Kenya. But he is not considered a celebrity there; he is considered a hero. You see, for over thirty years, Kip Keino and his wife have been running an orphanage out of their home. In addition to their own seven children, the Keino’s have raised and nurtured dozens of other youngsters who needed a loving home. Currently, the orphanage is home to about 73 young people, all of whom are treated like family by Kip and his wife, Phyllis. As Kip Keino says, “I think I have been lucky. Now what is important is how I use what I have to help others.” — “Kip Keino,” PEOPLE, July 15, 1996, p. 76. (from http://www.pastorshelper.com/g.html)

SPORTS; KEINO, KIP; HERO; GIVING; COMPASSION