Local team not taking chances

By Mutwiri Mutuota

Nothing is being spared to ensure the national team for Nairobi 2010 17th African Athletics Championships dominates the continent during the event that starts on Wednesday.

Already, Sh2m has been paid out to the 144 athletes in local allowances and another Sh3.2m in overseas duty payment will be made today.

With incentives in place that will see gold medallists pocket Sh500,000 each with Sh300,000 for silver and Sh100,000 for bronze, the red, green and black brigade has all reasons to go for their opponents’ jugular during the continental jamboree that ends on Sunday.

"We are hoping these incentives will be increased by the Government and other sponsors so that we can motivate our largest ever team to perform," Local Organising Committee (LOC) financial director who is also Athletic Kenya treasurer, Joseph Kinyua, said on Sunday.

Sh105m deficit

The team will be accommodated at Ole Sereni hotel, an upgrade from Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where they have been staying during their three-week residential training.

At the same time, Kinyua disclosed the exact position of the Sh105m projected deficit LOC had petitioned the Government to seal would be known, once the event’s books of accounts have been closed.

"At the moment, we are afloat and all payments required of LOC have been made. I cannot tell how much shortfall there will be until we are done," he added.

The Government gave Sh200m as the biggest facilitator with companies such as Safaricom, National Bank of Kenya, Kenya Airways and New KCC among others sponsoring the event.

At the same time, preparation for the biennial continental track and field showpiece entered the final sprint, with the staging of a dry run at the Nyayo National Stadium venue.

Sunday’s activities included mock competition to test equipment and dress rehearsal for Wednesday’s opening ceremony as organisers gave themselves a pat on the back.

"People were not sure that the event will take place but we can now tell them we are ready for it. The only thing remaining is mounting the rail camera that arrived on Friday but it will be cleared tomorrow (today) morning," LOC chief executive, David Okeyo said.

"We staged a dry run with the kids and the technicians were happy that all equipment passed the tests."

He announced that all National Technical Officials appointed for the event should report to Nairobi this afternoon for their briefing.