Eldoret lives up to billing as city of champions

Athletics fans follow proceedings during the National Olympics Trials held at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret town on June 30, 2016. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |

What you need to know:

  • Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Abdi Hassan assured participants and athletes of their safety.
  • Over 25,000 people jammed the approximately 20,000-seater stadium, forcing organisers to close the gates with more people on long queues waiting to gain access.

Uasin Gishu County capital Eldoret lived up to its billing as the “city of champions” with a spectacular Day One of the Olympic athletics trials at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium on Thursday.

A huge crowd was anticipated, but that it overflowed on the opening day of the two-day championship was a huge boost for the organisers who were selecting Kenya’s teams to the Rio Olympic Games.

Over 25,000 people jammed the approximately 20,000-seater stadium, forcing organisers to close the gates with more people on long queues waiting to gain access.

Security teams that included more than 500 police officers from the Kenya Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Administration Police, the Uasin Gishu County Government and private security firms manned the stadium.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago was impressed by the day’s proceedings, saying it vindicated the county’s push to host the world’s most competitive track and field meeting.

“The turnout speaks for itself. Athletics Kenya and the National Olympic Committee of Kenya made the right decision to bring the trials to the people who gave birth and raised these athletes,” Mandago said.

“This is also an encouragement to the young boys and girls that sports is a rewarding career. Business people have been able to cash in on the opportunities during the trials week,” he added.

Residents braved the morning chill and trooped into the stadium as early as 6am to have glimpse of the world beating stars competing on home soil.

In Eldoret town, Traffic Police officers were stationed at various positions to direct vehicles and boda boda riders were kept at bay, forcing people to walk to the stadium, about 3km from Eldoret Town.

Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Abdi Hassan assured participants and athletes of their safety.

“We’re not leaving anything to chance. Security personnel have been deployed to all major establishments as the county hosts the prestigious event,” Hassan told Daily Nation Sport.