Plans for 2017 Youth Championships unveiled
The Government has commenced preparations geared towards the hosting of a successful World Junior Athletics Championships in 2017.
This comes barely a fortnight after Kenya’s bid to host the event was was accepted by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) at the body’s headquarters in Monaco.
The four-day event is set to be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium, located about a kilometre from Nairobi’s CBD.
“This is an important event not only for our youth but to the country as a whole because sports is renowned for uniting Kenyans. And then, we expect these activities to pave way for what should be a vibrant political scene,” Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and the Arts Dr Hassan Wario said on Wednesday.
A budget of about Sh 1.2 billion has been drafted for the competition, with the Government catering for about half of that amount. About 2000 athletes and officials from 150 countries will grace the event.
LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Meanwhile, a local organizing committee (LOC) consisting members from the Ministry of Sports, County Government of Nairobi, Athletics Kenya and the Corporate world will be unveiled within the next month to assist in planning for the event.
“We already have technical delegates from the IAAF jetting in next February to inspect the venue and share with us their recommendations. We want them to find us ready,” Athletics Kenya President Isaiah Kiplagat said.
Nairobi Government’s Deputy Governor Jonathan Mueke, who was present at the function, also reiterated the County Government’s support in managing the event.
“I want to assure the entire world that we will be ready to host them. Of primary importance is the traffic flow because we want to ensure our visitors are comfortable even as other residents go on with their lives normally,” Mueke said.
Kenya, which is ranked second in the overall medal standings in this competition, behind the US, is expected to dominate most of the middle and long distance races by parading its upcoming talent.