Abdul Sidi’s efforts of developing rally from the grassroots, have been recognised by world Motorsports governing body, FIA.
Sidi has been invited by Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to the regional congress in Kigali, Rwanda on August 23.
The invitation was sent through email by Sonia Bénaïssa-Anotin, who is coordinating the African congress.
“We are pleased to invite you as speaker to our next FIA Sport Regional Congress Africa in Kigali, for the session “Motorsport Development - developing an affordable motorsport through Grassroots disciplines,” Sonia wrote.
FIA President Jean Todt, FIA Deputy President for Sport Graham Stoker and FIA Vice President for Africa Surinder Thatthi will attend the workshop.
“I am extremely excited with the invitation,” said Sidi, one of Kenya’s top navigators.
Since retiring from active sports, Sidi has explored ways of educating the next “Kings and Queens” of rally through the Abdul Sidi Rally Academy.
The project, which is considered as unique in Africa, has produced over 60 competitors and thousands of officials and marshals in the Kenya National Rally Championships.
Similar editions with positive results have been carried out in other countries including Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
Though the sport is considered expensive, there are no charges at the Sidi Academy since it was formed in 2010.
“The scheme is a historic venture meant to provide free education to those interested in joining Motorsports industry. I take pride in promoting and developing the sport in Kenya and beyond.”
Every year, FIA holds the regional congress. The event brings together more than 60 delegates from Africa.
Discussions at the congress are about the development of the sport in the region, a presentation from the FIA experts on its Motorsport development programs including Karting Slalom, X Car and the Rally pathway.
Sidi has won numerous accolades as a rally navigator not only in Kenya, but also in South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Malaysia, among others.
Among top drivers that he has worked with include Sarbi Rai, Sammy Aslam, Patrick Njiru, Azar Anwar, Phineas Kimathi, Marco Brighetti, Bimal Shah, Susheel Shah, Peter Hays, Jas Matharu and John Ngunjiri. [Standard Sports]
