PM urges athletics team to focus on Olympic medals

By Erick Ochieng’

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has challenged the Kenyan team to the London Games to improve on all previous performances the country achieved at the Olympics.

Raila, who was accompanied by his wife Ida, was among the high profile dignitaries who graced the Team Kenya send off dinner on Tuesday night in a Nairobi hotel. Procter and Gamble Kenya sponsored the dinner held to wish the 48-member squad the best in London.

Raila urged the team to focus should they wish to surpass the 1988 Seoul Olympics where Kenya raked in eight gold medals.

President Mwai Kibaki together with Raila will travel to London to cheer the Kenya team.

“We agreed with the president that he goes first and attend the Opening ceremony (July 27) and I will follow later to be at the Closing ceremony,” said Raila.

He challenged the athletes to venture into other spheres of life as their efforts could help elevate Kenya internationally.

“If you are world beaters in athletics then I believe you too can excel in other areas and help to market Kenya to the outside world. Kenya is a beautiful country with hordes of talents that needs to be shown to the outside world,” said Raila.

Procter and Gamble recently boosted Kenya’s preparation for the Olympics with Sh5million. They also donated Sh9million to furnish youth sports programs that are under the National Olympic Committee-Kenya and the Sports Ministry.

The Government has allocated Sh1billion to support sports activities across the country. Sports Minister Paul Otuoma has said the money will be dispersed to the 47 Counties to help promote sports and identification of talents. This will include setting up of a vibrant and modern sport facility at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The Government will also start a National Sports Institute that will help with the training and developing of quality coaches, referees, umpires and other sports officials at different levels.

The Minister reiterated that plans are still underway to establish a National Sports Board that will help with the raising of funds for sports development.

Otuoma challenged corporates, individuals and well-wishers to come on board and complement the efforts made by the Government to uplift sports in the country. “With their help and the implementation sports bill, sports will take a new dimension in terms of growth and development,” said Otuoma.

The minister assured people living with disability that their needs will be catered for when the Government finishes upgrading the sports facilities.

Otuoma asked athletes representing Kenya in the London Games, World Junior Championship in Barcelona and in the Second World Deaf Athletics Championship in Toronto to be focused.

“You should avoid any other sideshows that might destruct you from winning the medals,” he said. “Know that you are carrying the hopes of 40 million Kenyans to London, put your best foot forward and win the races. This is the best opportunity to showcase your country internationally.”