Socially distanced, masked opening ceremony as U20 starts at Kasarani

Kenya Team passes with flag during the official opening of World Under 20 Athletics Championship at Kasarani stadium on August 17, 2021. [Stafford Ondego]

Socially distanced, masked opening ceremony and empty seats as First Lady Margaret Uhuru Kenyatta welcomes the world to the world Under-20 Athletics Championships amid fantastic performances by artists at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Some of the top performances from Sarakasi Dancing, popular musician Nyashinski with championships theme song ‘kip jogging,’ opened up parade by participating countries with their respective flags.

Her Excellency First Lady Margaret Kenyatta presides over the Official Opening of the World Athletics Under-20 Championship at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi County. [photo courtesy]

The global event taking place from Wednesday to Sunday and will see over 1000 athletes representing more than 110 teams competing in Kenya.

The championships were delayed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will go on without fans inside the stadium.

The opening ceremony was attended by World Athletics President Seb Coe, cabinet secretary for sports Amina Mohammed, Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei among others dignitaries.

The First Lady called on athletes to enjoy the championships and pursue their athletics dream.

“It’s an honour to be selected as the first African country to host this championship. As a patron of these championships, I urge all athletes to enjoy the event and wish you all success as you pursue your dreams,” said the First Lady in her opening remarks.

Workers erecting tenst ahead of the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships, also known as the World Junior Championships which will take place from 17 to 22 August 2021 at Moi International Sports Center - Kasarani in Nairobi, Kenya. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

“We are here for World Athletics Championships and it’s a great tribute for Kenya to host this event. This is the second biggest athletics gathering after Tokyo Olympics this year and we look forward to a successful event and I wish every athlete to enjoy the experience and become the stars of tomorrow,” said Coe.

On his part, AK President Tuwei thank the World Athletics for granting Kenya the hosting rights terming the event a key opportunity for athletes as they transmit to the senior category.