Uasin Gishu County to hold sports stakeholders forum

By PETER OCHIENG’

Uasin Gishu county is planning to hold its inaugural sports stakeholders forum tomorrow with the aim of upping sports development in the region.

The forum, whose theme is dubbed  ‘Maximizing Sports Talent through Career Development for Economic Growth and Social Integration’, will be graced by retired and active athletes among other stakeholders.

Yesterday, FeverPitch confirmed World 1500m champion Asbel Kiprop and World 800m champion Eunice Sum will attend.

Others are former 800m champion Janet Jepkosgei, retired athlete (now a golfer) Moses Tanui and NOCK chairman Kipchoge Keino.

Former olympic 3000m silver medalist Patrick Sang and former commonwealth 800m gold medalist Mike Boit will be the chief guests.     

 “We will discuss sports tourism issues which have not been tapped for a long time,” said Amos Kirwa, the Education, Culture, Youth Affairs and Social Services executive officer in the county. He said their target is to make athletics their leading brand.

Kirwa was flanked by veteran and marathon coach David Leting who also appealed to senior and junior athletes to avail themselves for the meeting saying that such workshops will assist them (athletes) to sharpen their life skills.

Elsewhere, the County Government of Murang’a will spend millions to rehabilitate sporting grounds in the region in a bid to promote sports activities among the youth.

County executive in charge of Youth and Culture Antony Githirwa speaking  yesterday at General Ihura Stadium as he launched the rehabilitation exercise, listed General Ihura, Gakoigo, Mumbi and Matenjagwo grounds as the facilities that will undergo the facelift.

–Additional reporting by Boniface Gikandi.