Nyanza begin campaign for 2017 World Youth Athletics slots in sprints

The women's 15km tricycle winner receives her present during Mama Sarah Obama race in Kogelo, yesterday. [PHOTO:COURTESY]

Nyanza region has launched a campaign aimed at sending more sprinters for the 2017 World Youth Athletics Championship in Nairobi.

The campaign was initiated yesterday by Mama Sarah Obama in collaboration with sports stakeholders from Nyanza including the Siaya County Government, Kenya Tourist Board (KTB), Freekenya and Harun Otwoma foundation among others.

Mama Sarah Obama, through her Safeguard Orphans and Widows Organisation (Sowo), will sponsor the sprints series trials to be held between March 21 and October 17 in various constituencies within Siaya County.

"Nyanza, the a bed rock of short races, has been neglected for a long time," said Mama Sarah during the launch at her Nyangoma, Kogelo home. "It is important to tap talent in this region and the best way to do this is by carrying out trials with the main focus being the 2017 World Youth Athletics Championships."

Siaya County Government First Lady, Rosela Rasanga, who graced the launch, pledged support for the series saying this will elevate athletics standards in Nyanza.

KTB Product Manager, Fred Okeyo, said they have embraced the local athletics series as it gives opportunity not only to market Kogelo as a sports tourist attraction and heritage but it also promotes cultural diversity within Nyanza.

Short races in the series includes 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 4x100m and the 4x400m. The first trials and build up will be held at Wangu Primary School in Gem Constituency on March 21.

Ugenya will hold the second leg of the trials on April 4 at Inungo Secondary school while Bondo region will hold the third leg at Nyabondo Primary on May 16. Nyasanda Secondary in Ugunja will be the venue for the fourth leg on June 6, while the fifth leg will be held at Rarieda Secondary on July 18.

The remaining legs will be held in Alego Usonga constituency at Nyadhi Primary (August 15) and Senator Barrack Obama Primary (September 19). Series finalists will converge at Siaya County Stadium where a final team will be picked to represent Nyanza  in the 2017 World Youth Championships national trials will be named.

"Those selected will be helped to maintain fitness and seek qualifying times for the world youth championship," said Sowo chairman Peter Oduor.

Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya has upgraded Mama Sarah Obama annual 15 kilometre road race to a half a marathon this year.