Excitement as Nairobi awarded hosting rights for yet another world athletics event
By DAVID KWALIMWAKenyans have shared their excitement on social media after Nairobi was awarded the hosting rights for 2020 IAAF World Athletics U20 Championships.
While making the announcement in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Thursday, the IAAF Council cited the hugely successful World U18 Championship that were held in Nairobi last year.
“By hosting an outstanding final edition of the IAAF World U18 Championship last year, Nairobi demonstrated its readiness to take the next step as a Championship host,” the IAAF said on its official website.
“Crowds of up to 60,000 attended the U18 Championships at Nairobi Moi International Sports Centre, creating an existing atmosphere for the young athletes who gathered from around the globe, and those attending the 2020 event can expect the same experience,” IAAF statement added.
VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
President Uhuru Kenyatta led Kenyans in celebrating the big announcement terming it as a recognition of Kenya’s status as a powerhouse in athletics.
“I am delighted that @iaaforg has selected Nairobi to host the 2020 U20 @IAAFWorldChamps. This is a vote of confidence in our ability to deliver on a massive global event and recognition of our status as a powerhouse in athletics. We set the bar with the U18s. ASANTE SANA!” President Kenyatta tweeted soon after the announcement was made.
I am delighted that @iaaforg has selected Nairobi to host the 2020 U20 @IAAFWorldChamps. This is a vote of confidence in our ability to deliver on a massive global event and recognition of our status as a powerhouse in athletics. We set the bar with the U18s. ASANTE SANA! pic.twitter.com/vbAfVidNF8
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) July 27, 2018
Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Heritage, Rashid Echesa lauded the decision and assured IAAF that Kenya would host a successful event.
“On behalf of the Kenyan Government, I would like to say that we welcome the decision that has been reached by the IAAF top brass to settle on the Republic of Kenya to host the prestigious IAAF World U20 Championships in the year 2020,” he said.
In a series of tweets, Deputy President William Ruto also expressed his delight with the coming to Kenya of yet another major global athletics championship.
Kenya is delighted to host the IAAF U20 World Athletics Championships in 2020. The event will showcase the prodigious talent of our athletes; reaffirm our dominance; shape the future of our sport and represent a huge opportunity to market the country.
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) July 27, 2018
The world can expect an exciting atmosphere, enthusiastic crowds at venues and a pleasant stay. We welcome all to the home of champions.
— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) July 27, 2018
Similar sentiments were shared by Kenyans on Twitter.
Thanks to iaaf for recognising great country in terms of athletics,,we started wth u18 now u20 next is us seniors
— Ptaah Mutongorian (@cecilmaimaa) July 27, 2018
Our Kenyan athletes have proved beyond reasonable doubts that Kenya is the best country. IAAF has confirmed Kenya will host under 20 world championship in 2020. Apart from corruption we can also do go in other sectors
— kimutai abraham (@kimutaiabraham5) July 27, 2018
Bring it on IAAF U20 Nairobi we ready ?? 2020
— Captain (@M_Kelvinaal) July 27, 2018
This event will most likely be staged at the newly refurbished Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani which hosted the IAAF World Athletics U18 Championships last year.
Kenya is the second most successful country, after the USA in this biennial competition.