First Lady says World Under 20 Championships will inspire budding talents

President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at the Nyayo National Stadium during the 5th Edition of the Beyond Zero Half Marathon 2020 in Nairobi County [photo courtesy]

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta says the World Athletics U-20 Championships set for Nairobi will inspire budding talents.

She said the competition that runs between August 17 and 22 at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi County will provide a platform for the Kenyan youths to harbour huge dreams.

“The games will also provide a chance for Kenya to showcase itself as a centre of excellence. It will gives us an opportunity to cheer our athletes,” she said. 

The First Lady, who is also the patron of the Games, spoke at Kasarani Stadium when she unveiled the competition mascot, medals and theme song yesterday. The mascot symbol is Jabari, a legendary lion once based at Maasai Mara.

“The lion is best remembered for his bravery, strength, fearlessness and fighting spirit which we hope will be replicated on our young athletes as they battle for glory on track and field during the championships,” said Sports Principal Secretary Joe Okudo.

The glittering medals have been crafted and designed by a group of Maasai women from the Shanga Initiative Kenya. “The medal necklaces highlights the resilience that our athletes always display at the world stage.”