IT IS ALL SYSTEMS GO: Athletics takes sizeable number of Commonwealth Games team

Mercy Cherono (left) leads the pack in 5000m women final during the Safaricom Athletics National Championship at Nyayo Stadium at the weekend. [PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

 Athletics will take the lion’s share in Kenya’s team to the 20th Commonwealth Games that runs in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23-August 3.

Today is the deadline for the 70 participating countries to submit names of participants and officials (entry by name) to Glasgow 2014.

Stephen Arap Soi, the team’s chief de mission, said Sh313 million had been budgeted for the national team but did not state if they have received the money.

“The National Olympic Committee of Kenya and the Government share the budget, where Nock will meet residential training camp costs and team’s local allowances while the Government caters for air tickets and overseas allowances,” said Soi, the Nock assistant treasurer.

Soi, the chairman of National Judo Cordinating Board, did not divulge details on the monies but said they were ready for the big showpiece.

“The first batch of the money will be released soon. We have 195 participants, who are entitled to 71 primary team officials. Athletics has taken the highest number with 66 athletes – 36 men and 30 women,” said Soi.  

Kenyan athletes will be seeking to improve on the 11 gold, 10 silver and eight bronze medal haul that saw them scoop the top honours in New Delhi in 2010.

“We will present 15 sporting disciplines out of the 18 disciplines we battled to attain qualifying standards,” Soi added.

Sibling swimming greats Jason and David Dunford will return to the Commonwealth Games after making a brilliant stab in New Delhi.  The athletics team, which comprises a bag By JONATHAN KOMEN

Athletics takes lion’s share in Glasgow squad

Isaiah Kiplangat (604) of Police leads the pack in 5000m heat two during  Athletics Kenya Championships at Nyayo Stadium last week. [PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO/standard]

Athletics will take the lion’s share in Kenya’s team to the 20th Commonwealth Games that runs in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23-August 3.

Today is the deadline for the 70 participating countries to submit names of participants and officials (entry by name) to Glasgow 2014.

Stephen Arap Soi, the team’s chief de mission, said Sh313 million had been budgeted for the national team but did not state if they have received the money.

“The National Olympic Committee of Kenya and the Government share the budget, where Nock will meet residential training camp costs and team’s local allowances while the Government caters for air tickets and overseas allowances,” said Soi, the Nock assistant treasurer.

Soi, the chairman of National Judo Cordinating Board, did not divulge details on the monies but said they were ready for the big showpiece.

“The first batch of the money will be released soon. We have 195 participants, who are entitled to 71 primary team officials. Athletics has taken the highest number with 66 athletes – 36 men and 30 women,” said Soi.  

Kenyan athletes will be seeking to improve on the 11 gold, 10 silver and eight bronze medal haul that saw them scoop the top honours in New Delhi in 2010.

“We will present 15 sporting disciplines out of the 18 disciplines we battled to attain qualifying standards,” Soi added.

Sibling swimming greats Jason and David Dunford will return to the Commonwealth Games after making a brilliant stab in New Delhi. The athletics team, which comprises a bag.