X-country, budget to feature in Congress

By Mutwiri Mutuota

The Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) Council Meeting will be held in Nairobi on July 26 and 27, with ranging issues concerning governance of the sport in Africa top on agenda.

Issues to be discussed at the meeting include the continental cross-country championships, the hosts of Africa Athletics Championships (AAC) after Benin 2012 and review of CAA activities like the continental governing body’s budget.

"IAAF has pushed back to continents the organisation of some events, notably World Cross Country Championships that will be biennial from next year. During the meeting, bids for the first Africa Cross Country Championships will be tabled and those of AAC after Benin," Isaiah Kiplagat, head of Nairobi 2010 Local Organising Committee said yesterday.

Benin’s progress to host the 2012 AAC would be assessed in addition to development of the sport across Africa. The Council meeting then usher in the opening of Nairobi 2010 AAC. Kiplagat said the anthem would be out soon.

"We expect to get the winning song by this evening (yesterday) to be unveiled together with the winner who shall receive our prize. We will then start using it on Monday," Kiplagat disclosed. Top LOC officials toured Jomo Kenyatta Airport to review arrangements to receive visiting teams and delegations.