We must work hard to ensure success in 2017
Athletics Kenya (AK) President Isaiah Kiplagat addressing a press conference on October 14, 2014 at Riadha House. The report, which was released by the Moni Wekesa-led task force set up by the government to investigate allegations of doping in Kenyan sport fiercely criticised Mr Kiplagat for not taking doping seriously after he refused to cooperate with the investigation. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- We have no doubt that Kenya has been one of the top nations at the World Youth Championships, having won the 1999 (Poland) and 2007 (Italy) editions, but this is the time to show the world that we do not only participate but we can also organise events of such magnitude.
- Unlike the past events where we have given tasks to people with little knowledge in certain areas, this time we must do things differently.
Kenya will go on record as the first African country to host the World Youth Championships come 2017.
However, this shouldn’t be our only achievement or the only thing we should be remembered for.
Yes, we need to put together a showpiece that we can use in future as a stepping stone to bid for other events including the World athletics Championships. With the capacity we have in the athletics circles, I believe anything is possible.
We started with the World Cross Country Championship in 2007 and went on to pull off the Africa athletics Championships in 2010.
Yes! we had a number of challenges in the two events especially finance but as we all know, it is always a learning experience with every dawn.
However, I must say we have a real task at our hands in the next two years and the faster we settle down and embark on climbing the mountain ahead, the better for all of us.
We have no doubt that Kenya has been one of the top nations at the World Youth Championships, having won the 1999 (Poland) and 2007 (Italy) editions, but this is the time to show the world that we do not only participate but we can also organise events of such magnitude.
WORLD CLASS EVENT
However, this will again depend on how organised we are as a Country and the focus we have for the world youth show.
Unlike the past events where we have given tasks to people with little knowledge in certain areas, this time we must do things differently. Our Local Organising Committee should be up to scratch and ready to deliver a world class event.
The event must not be turned into a cash cow for those with dirty hands. Locking out individuals on political lines will only but work towards the downfall of the event which we have all been waiting for.
We must pick our lines-up with soberness if we have to give the country the best championship to have been witnessed on the Kenyan soil.
Whereas Athletics Kenya secured the bid, this is now bigger than all of us and calls for concerted efforts from all corners.
The event is simply beyond individuals and beyond our current wrangles which we cannot wish away. The bid is now behind us and it is no longer about who gave the best presentation or who didn't, but how we will execute the event.
We need to prepare our coaches and at the same time start preparing our teams now. Being the host, we must not only be represented in all events but also ensure we make an impact even in field events where we have fared badly.
