Two weeks ago, before the Nyayo Stadium opened its gates to the 17th edition of Africa Senior Athletics championships, no one could believe everything would be in place on time for the colourful opening ceremony witnessed on July 28.
Even with less than 24 hours to the opening ceremony, the final touches were being hastened and it seemed like the organisers were time barred. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) worked round the clock to make it a reality and the ongoing continental championships have not disappointed. Not only did the committee ensure the preparations were ready but also made sure the standards are acceptable internationally.
The equipment, from the hurdles, poll vault, javelin, timetronics, live big screen, are all of international standards and the organisation is top-notch, with dozens of volunteers and hired personnel ensuring operations go ahead as planned.
Despite access to the grounds being free of charge, security has been excellent with a high number of security personnel manning all the gates, patrolling the vicinity with sniffer dogs and some in plain clothes mingling with the people to ensure nothing goes wrong. This is a factor sports officials should observe even when hosting local events in future.
Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) President Kalkaba Malboum gave the organisers a thumbs-up for their preparations and urged them to aim at hosting the world junior championships and the world championships in future. This is encouraging.
The Africa Senior Athletics championships is the third major athletics event Kenya is hosting after the 1987 All Africa Games and the 2005 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa. The organisation seem to be a notch higher and calls for more opportunities.
After such a display, Kenya has clearly proved it has the capacity to host events of higher magnitude. Authorities should now start pursuing such opportunities. Much as it took last minute planning, which could have been avoided, it was worth it.
But first and foremost, the equipment, which will remain in the country, should be well maintained for future use. With the introduction of the Africa Cross Country Championships which will begin in 2012 with the inaugural event set for South Africa, Kenya should be a contender for the second edition of the championships as well as various continental events not only in athletics but also other disciplines.
The LOC for the continental championships also deserves a pat on the back for preparing a team of more 120 athletes, the highest number of athletes ever to represent the country in any competition. Through this, they have ensured the country is represented in each discipline at the competition.
Preparation for the championships has also been top-notch. The team went on a two-week residential training camp at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and the results they have posted so far are encouraging. By yesterday, the team had bagged nine medals – five gold, two silver and two bronze.
The Government should probably take the initiative to upgrade other stadia around the country and host as many major events as possible, which in turn will boost our economy, market the country and develop sports.
The meet has been a success and the athletes who have represented the country so far have done us proud.
The defeatist mentality that others are better in organisation has been disproved.
Sports could very well be a tourism feature if the concerned people bid for such international meets. Other sports fields such as rugby, football, basketball, cricket, volleyball, motor sports, hockey and even golf should host international tournaments because we can.
All it takes is an organised committee, Government support, transparency in handling finances, and enthusiasm. Doubting Thomases had ruled out a success in the athletics competition that ends tomorrow. We did it and we can do it in other fields too.
DP Gachagua: I am not interested in who will succeed Ruto
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting,
digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading
multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
Manufacturers struggle under high taxation and energy costs
Kebs now shifts focus to MSMEs to reverse 'State victim fear' tag
CBK's fresh bid to raise core capital puts small lenders, investors on edge
After avocado, KRA now trains its guns on sugarcane farmers
Free delivery: Watchdog calls out e-commerce firms over rising scams
join