Olympics: NOC-K set to host virtual conference
Athletics
By
Dennis Okeyo
| May 06, 2020
The National Olympics Committee-Kenya (NOC-K) are set to host weekly virtual conferences for athletes and coaches.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, NOC-K aims to offer different levels of support.
The conference will be addressing an array of topics and NOC-K has lined up panelists that include Paul Tergat who will open the conference, Kanyali Ilako – a Sports and Performance Psychologist with experience in managing professional athletes in football, swimming and para-athletes, Rosemary Owino, the Davis Cup captain, award-winning coach and Julius Yego, 2016 Olympic silver medalist in javelin throw.
Geoffrey Kimani, a Strength and Conditioning coach will be handling how fitness for elite athletes.
Malkia Strikers coach Paul Bitok is aslo among those who will offer virtual lessons. Athletes will be presented by Sinaida Aura of Kenya Lionesses and national 100m record holder Mark Otieno.
There will be also experts to handle the mental session to answer questions on the effects of global lockdown.
The aim of the sessions is to get athletes to speak up about their struggles, if any, and to create a platform where they can know that help is available and they can reach out if they need to. It also aims to empower coaches to be able to reach out to their athletes and offer assistance.
“Since March, NOC-K has been providing technical assistance in fitness and injury rehabilitation to athletes. This became critical when the lockdown started and the Elite Team has continued working with Olympics-qualified athletes on this through online platforms and one-on-one sessions,” said NOC-K Secretary General Francis Mutuku.
Mutuku added: “In the coming weeks, NOC-K is planning to work with these professionals on mechanisms of getting back to sports and develop a programme with relevant guidelines put in place drawing from local and international authorities.”