Best way forward: Kipsang, Korir miss Paak’s anti- doping seminar in Machakos

World half Marathon bronze medalist John Mwangangi (right) chats with upcoming athletes during the PAAK conference on anti-doping at Kenyatta stadium in Machokos. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

More than 60 athletes turned up for the inaugural Professional Athletes Association of Kenya (Paak) members’ conference, which was held at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos yesterday.

However, Paak President and New York Marathon champion Wilson Kipsang, reigning world marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto and their spokesman Wesley Korir, the Cherangany MP, all missed the conference.

The elite athletes’ meeting, dubbed ‘Okoa Riadha’ (save athletics), had doping on its agenda among other issues and, though it lacked the expected punch, it set the stage for the association’s move to champion athletes’ interests.

John Mwangangi, a bronze medallist at the Amsterdam Marathon last October, took the gathering through the doping debate.

Mwangangi, who has a personal best of 2:07.27 in marathon, said: “The anti-doping agencies should come to the grass root to educate our athletes on what to do.”

His remarks resonated well with the Dr Moni Wekesa ministerial Task Force on Doping’s report, which indicated most athletes become dope victims accidentally.

athletes sensitisation

“In athletics, accidental use (due to ignorance) of banned drugs and involvement of foreign agents are blamed for the sophisticated doping, which has seen many Kenyan athletes test positive,” read the report.

Mwangangi went on: “I have not used any banned substance but I ran 2:07 in Amsterdam. Please, do not be deceived into believing that using banned substances will help you win races or make money. It’s harmful to your health.”

Philip Muia, the Southern region Paak chairman, said he was certain the association can help curb doping in Kenya.

“They have the potential to stop this vice through sensitisation. MP Wesley Korir has promised to table a Bill in Parliament to criminalise doping, which I fear it will punish innocent athletes. Let’s educate them first,” said Muia.

The conference came against the backdrop of doping claims against Kenyan athletes, notwithstanding persistent management wrangles dogging AK national executive.

Last week, Paak gave AK top brass a two-week notice to patch up their differences and work towards development of the sport, failure to which, they  would take over their role.

Other issues like media relations, financial investment, HIV/Aids and sports development were also discussed.

Muia singled out the recent cases of doping among the athletes and asked Athletics Kenya to be vigilant and jealously protect the image of the country. He added that the ministry of sports want the runners to play it clean.

“This is a brilliant gesture, which we feel it should have come much earlier. But we will make up for the lost time. We want to have this event held annually since athletes are born daily and we have brought together all the past and present champions,” said Muia.

The seminar started with athletes tackling the issues regarding the best nutrition, chaplaincy, religion, responsibilities and social environment facilitated by spiritual leaders.

Meanwhile, a case restraining 14 Athletics Kenya regional chairmen from convening a Special General Meeting of AK will come up for hearing at the Milimani High Court today.

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