Honour gallant athletes, Ida Odinga tells Government
Athletics
By
FEVERPITCH REPORTER
| Sep 03, 2015
The Government has been urged to honour athletes who bring respect and fame to the country. Ida Odinga, the wife of former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, said if good performances are to be expected in future, the Government must ensure the dignity of these heroes and heroines is maintained.
Ida also congratulated the athletes who finished on top of the world during the 15th World Championships in Beijing, China, last week.
"I wish to join the rest of the country in welcoming back home our Beijing heroes and heroines who made us proud in the just-concluded World Athletics Championship in Beijing, China. As a mother, I felt the joy of giving birth when I watched as the Kenyan boys and girls raced to victory in their respective disciplines in the Beijing," said Ida.
"Listening to the tune of our National Anthem being played in the state-of-the-art Birds Nest stadium in Beijing was memorable. Seven times, and the world stood in honour of our National Anthem, courtesy of our gallant boys and girls. I say to you 'Thank You' for making us proud. You proved to the world that Kenya is the Hotbed of Talent," she said.
"I was a proud Kenyan to see Vivian Cheruiyot, fresh from maternity leave outpace the stubborn Ethiopian opponents to win the 10,000 metres race, the extra energy that Nicholas Bett exerted to win Kenya the first ever Gold medal in the 400 Metres hurdles, the indefatigable Ezekiel Kemboi jump over the water and hurdles to dance to his famous 'Emily Chepchumba' hit song and dedicate his victory to me among others. #TeamKenya was amazing," she said in a statement.
Kenya's pioneer Olympian Lydia Stephen-Okech and Dogo Khan also sent their congratulations. Okech, who took part in 1968 Olympics in Mexico, said it was gratifying to watch Cheruiyot come back from maternity to snatch the 10,000m gold and Julius Yego win javelin gold and Nicholas Bett 400m hurdles gold.
Khan, founder of Shabana FC, urged Athletics Kenya and the Government to focus on next year's Olympics, saying there is evidence of huge potential among Kenyan athletes, even in field events.
"My appeal to the Government is, as we honour our champions let us ensure the dignity of these heroes and heroines is maintained. If we want more of such good result from our athletes, the government must protect them at all times and take good care of their welfare and security. By so doing, our athletes will be more motivated, energised and powered to bring us more and more medals, particularly Gold, and put our name top of the World," said Mrs Odinga, who promised to host the athletes next week to thank them.