International delegates converge at KU to discuss sports

Over 200 delegates from around the world have gathered at Kenyatta University for the second edition of International Conference on Physical Activity, Sports and Health for Development in Africa (PASHDA).

The conference that runs till tomorrow has attracted delegates from 15 countries from across the world including Ethipoia, Tanzania, Canada, Zimbabwe and South Africa that sent the largest number of delegates.

Among those in attendance includes Kenyan veteran athlete and two time Olympics champion Kipchoge Keino and the 800m Commonwealth champion (1978) Mike Boit, who is also currently a professor at Kenyatta University.

Apart from former sportsmen, the conference has also attracted scholars, researchers, sports practitioners and other stakeholders on the African continent and beyond to share novel research findings, programmess, initiatives and lessons they have realised from other conferences, workshops, symposia and seminars.

Sport Kenya Director General Gordon Oluoch, who opened the conference officially yesterday emphasised the need to keep fit.

Oluoch, who stood in for Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario siad: “We should encourage people including our own families to embrace sports. By embracing sports they will not only keep fit, but will improve their health considerably.”

Oluoch also warned that sports should not be taken lightly as it is a major industry that can run a country’s economy while citing the English Premier League that is earning England considerable revenue in their economy.

Oluoch also encouraged the delegates to form professional groups so as to embrace sports in a commercial way that would also be beneficial to their country’s economy.

Conference co-chairman Vincent Onywera said that Kenyatta University was chosen to host the event since it provides a highly conducive and ambient environment as well as magnificent facilities that befit such an event of international magnitude.