Athletics Kenya national youth development chairman, Barnaba Korir, paid a visit to the Nairobi region youth camp, training at the Kenswed Secondary School located at Kibiko, Ngong in Kajiado County.
The team of 57 athletes under 20 years, comprising of 34 boys and 23 girls reported to camp on 26th November, 2023 are hoping to enhance their skills as Kenya plans to field athletes for the World Cross Country Championships, in Belgrade, Serbia on 30th March, 2024, World Secondary Schools Cross Country scheduled for May 12-17 at the Ngong Race Course and World Under 20 Championships slated for August 26-31, 2024 in Lima, Peru.
“When you close the camp on 16th December do not forget what you have learnt during the three weeks you have been at the camp. Keep on training and sharpening your skills but do not forget about your academics. We have a very busy season and through the Ministry of Sports, this youth camps will now be regular thing during the school holidays to ensure we have skilled athletes who will later transition from junior to senior athletes.” Said Korir a retired athlete.
Athletics Kenya National Youth Development Chairman Barnaba Korir addressing the athletes.
Elizabeth Keitany from Baringo region, talked about safe guarding the athletes and keeping check on their welfare as Coach Joseph Kahugu expressed his happiness with the progress the athletes have made since they reported to camp last month.
“When the children came they did not have proper training gear and did not know which race they are racing. We received training gear donations from Isaac Macharia our host. We also have about five athletes who will be ready for the 2026 Youth Olympics Games.” Said Kahugu.
Cecila Wangari training for the 1,500m welcomed the visitors to her camp with a poem titled ‘ups and downs’ talking about the struggles she has faced as she tries to find herself asking to be given a chance to learn and perfect her skills.
“I have moved up and down trying to know who I am and whom I want to be. I had so many struggles but I know one day I will be somebody if given a chance to learn and I will prove it to you…..” said part of her poem.
Kenswed Secondary school director Mr Isaac Macharia offered to assist students who will need education and talent nurturing even after they have closed the camp.
“In athletics we need to be there for each other. I also had someone hold my hand and I extend the same generosity to you. You can stay here as you continue to study and train. I trained with you on Saturday and I saw a lot of potential in you all. If you stay disciplined you will go far.” Said Macharia.
Kenswed Secondary school Director Isaac Macharia addressing the Nairobi Region athletes camping at his school
Kibiko which has an elevation of 1961m has been a preferred place for training by various athletes led by two time Olympics silver medalist and two time World champion in 5,000m Hellen Obiri. Ngong also host the Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Police Service athletics training camps.
Athletics Kenya through the National Youth Programme launched 42 camps last month targeting athletes under 20 years to enhance their training programmes as well as establish skilled athletes that will conquer the world.
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my age is 37 according to my age can be able to get training?