Olympics steering commitee launch overshadowed by wrangles in Tae kwon do

By Gilbert Wandera

Sports Minister Paul Otuoma has launched the steering committee for the London Olympic Games but the launch was overshadowed by on-going wrangles in Tae kwon do regarding qualification to the games.

The Kenya Tae kwon do team taking part in the Olympic qualifiers in Cairo has been rocked by wrangles with the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) throwing its weight behind suspended officials.

The officials, who include coach George Mureu, were suspended over the All-Africa games debacle that saw some players travel by road to Maputo for the games.

On Wednesday, NOCK officials were hard pressed to explain their decision with Stephen Arap Soi insisting that they have not received any communication regarding the suspension of the officials.

However, Otuoma, well aware that such wrangles may affect Kenya’s participation in the Olympic Games, urged the 22 member steering committee to uphold the spirit of discipline and fair play.

"It is unfortunate that in the last All-Africa Games, we had a case of some athletes who were entered into the games through the backdoor. We must discourage such practices," he said.

The committee will be chaired by James Waweru the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports.

Karoli Ooko, the Director of Administration is the alternate chairman. The members are Sports Secretary Wilson Langat, Kipchoge Keino, Isiah Kiplagat, Gordon Oluoch, Nderitu Gikaria, David Okeyo, Benjamin Sogomo, Jairus Mugalo, Samson Olala, Margrate Kariuki, Mwaura Gichia, FK Paul.

Co-ordinate preparations

Others are Fridah Shiroya, Stephen Soi, Jonathan Koskei, Martin Okiyo, Maina Kamau, Alice Gekonde, Joseph Kirima and Sarah Shibutse.

Otuoma said the committee’s main responsibility will be to guide and co-ordinate preparations for all Kenyan teams to the games, prepare a budget and a plan for raising funds, ensure fair selection and advise his ministry on technical matters.

"I challenge you to ensure that the high status of Kenya at the games in upheld. Quality preparations will guarantee that our athletes are not only upto the required standards but are also motivated and focused," he said.

Otuoma pointed out that Kenya has taken part in virtually every modern day Olympic Games since 1965, bringing home great results and he does not except anything less in this year’s competition.

"Kenya, being a world record holder in a number of long distance events, is a household name in the Olympics. Without our participation, these games would be devoid of clout and glamour which they enjoy," said Otuoma.

He revealed that the Government has set aside money to support various associations to prepare for the games.

The Government has set aside Sh10 million for the women’s volleyball team, rowing and canoeing as well as the Paralympics team which are scheduled to take part in various qualifiers.