President Uhuru officially opens Under 18 Championships
President Uhuru Kenyatta (second right) is welcomed at Kasarani by IAAF President Sebastian Coe prior to the IAAF World Under-18 Athletics Championships opening ceremony on July 12, 2017 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
What you need to know:
- The President drew wild cheers from the crowd when he directed that all people attending the championships from today be allowed to do so without paying.
- Uhuru said it was an honour for the country to host the competition on its final edition.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday reiterated the country’s commitment to clean and ethical sports practices.
Speaking during the official opening of the IAAF World Under-18 Championship at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, President Kenyatta asked the country’s athletes to maintain high standards of integrity while competing.
“My administration fully supports the fight against unfair sporting practices as part of developing this industry,” Uhuru said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta shakes hands with Safaricom's Director for Strategy and Innovation Joe Ogutu during the opening ceremony of the 2017 IAAF World Under-18 Athletics Championships on July 12, 2017 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATIOON MEDIA GROUP
The President paid tribute to departed Interior Cabinet Secretary Rtd Major General Joseph Nkaissery, who passed away on Saturday morning, leading the stadium to a minute of silence.
The President drew wild cheers from the crowd when he directed that all people attending the championships from Thursday be allowed to do so without paying.
Uhuru said it was an honour for the country to host the competition on its final edition.
“We are proud as a country to host the rest of the world in this prestigious competition in its final edition and the second country in Africa after Morocco in 2005,” the President added.
Uhuru, who arrived at 4.20pm, was received by IAAF President Sebastian Coe, Nairobi County Governor Evans Kidero, Cabinet Secretaries Hassan Wario (Sports), Dr Fred Matiang'i (Education), Joe Mucheru (ICT) and Adan Mohamed (Industrialisation) among other dignitaries.
Before the speeches, First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, who is also the championships’ patron, jogged round the track in the company of World 800m record-holder David Rudisha, World Javelin champion Julius Yego, Mercy Cherono, Tegla Lourupe and Douglas Wakihuru.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta jogs on the track with former and current Kenyan athletes prior to the opening ceremony of the 2017 IAAF World Under-18 Athletics Championships on July 12, 2017 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO | NATIOON MEDIA GROUP
After making his speech, Uhuru proceeded to watch the remainder of the action which saw Kenyans competing in the 100m semi-finals and 800m heats.
IAAF President Sebastian Coe praised the Local Organising Committee for “working tirelessly” to deliver a prestigious competition.
“It marks a historic moment for the country as these are the first global and track competitions that the country has hosted and we as IAAF could not be more impressed,” he said.
Coe said the country had what it takes to stage more IAAF competitions in the future. The crowds were entertained by the Sarakasi dancers and acrobats as well as jazz ensemble Nairobi Horns Project.
Outside the stadium, a Kenyan village where visitors can sample local culture was put up just opposite the gymnasium. Some 50 artistes will perform daily at the Kenyan village from 1pm to 4pm and 8pm to 10pm till Sunday.
