Kenyans risk Olympics ban if they miss trials

By Ernest Ndunda

Kenyan swimmers risk being locked out of the first qualifiers for the 2012 London Olympic Games if they fail to travel to Morocco next week.

Kenya Swimming Federation (KSF) has said swimmers must attend the African Senior Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, from September 13 to 19.

KSF Chairman Ben Ekumbo said the federation forwarded a budget of Sh3m in 2008 and to date the Ministry of sports has remained tight-lipped.

"We presented the budget in 2008 and reminders have not been responded to. Time is running out as the team is scheduled to leave next Thursday," said the chairman.

He said the federation’s well wishers have raised Sh1.5m for uniforms and visas for the swimmers, saying they lacked air tickets and accommodation funds to enable them travel to Morocco.

"We appreciate the Government has been supporting sports and we feel Government’s support this time is vital given that swimming has performed well in the recent championships thus brining glory to the country," added Ekumbo.

But Assistant Minister for Sports Kabando wa Kabando and Commissioner of Sports Gordon Oluoch urged the federation to hold its horses.

"Everything is being worked on. We shall be in office on Monday and I assure the swimmers not to worry and should continue with their extensive training program," said Oluoch when asked the government’s stand.

Kabando said the government has been taking care of national teams, saying Swimming was not exceptional. "The government is obliged to support all national teams and we are happy with the two swimmers who represented the country in the recent Youth Olympic Games in Singapore," said the minister.

Ekumbo said since 2006 Africa Championships in Senegal, Kenyan swimmers have been hauling medals at will including the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.