IAAF boss gives Kenya a thumbs up on preparations

The new Mondo track is finally taking a rest at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani for the IAAF World U-18 Championships. From left, Gen Jackson Tuwei, President of Athletics Kenya, Olivier Gers, IAAF CEO and Mwangi Muthee, Chief Executive Officer Local Organising Committee get a feel of it. PHOTO | MOHAMED AMIN |

What you need to know:

  • International Association of Athletics Federation chief executive officer Olivier Gers is confident that the World Under-18 Championships that begin in 27 days’ time at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani will be a success.
  • The championship which is the 10th and last edition begins on July 12.

International Association of Athletics Federation chief executive officer Olivier Gers is confident that the World Under-18 Championships that begin in 27 days’ time at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani will be a success.

Speaking to Nation Sport in an exclusive interview at Kasarani stadium after inspecting the refurbishment work on Wednesday, the IAAF boss gave a thumbs up to the work already done while challenging the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) headed by Mwangi Muthee to work extra hard to ensure the various construction works are completed on time.

In addition, Gers asked the LOC to ensure that the beautiful stadium is filled with “screaming fans who create a great ambience and welcome the athletics world to Nairobi.”

LAYING BLUE TARTAN TRACK

Workers are currently laying the much anticipated blue tartan track at the stadium.

Work on the Athletes’ Village at the Kenyatta University is almost complete. Close to 1,600 athletes are expected for the championships.

According to Gers, “discussions are still ongoing between IAAF, Athletics Kenya and Sports Kenya in regards to turning the village into an IAAF High Altitude Training Centre.”

The championship which is the 10th and last edition begins on July 12.

The IAAF CEO said these on what he hoped the legacy would be: “Quality of completion should be high, many fans in the stadium who will also give the visitors an incredible welcome and leaving behind sporting infrastructure for the generations to come.”

The Kenya trials for the World Under-18 championships ended at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday.