Mandago asks NOC-K to offer technical support to counties.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, EGH has asked the National Olympics Committee (NOC-Kenya) to consider supporting counties through provision of technical support that will help nurture young talents.
Mandago says the support should focus on areas that the County has potential but always has no representation during the Olympics.
Speaking when he hosted the NOC-Kenya team who paid him a courtesy call, the county boss said with more participation in various disciplines at the Olympics, Kenyans stands to register more success at a global stage.
“Olympics is not about athletics only. We have several other disciplines that we usually don’t participate in and this is where countries like USA beat us in overall medal standings,” Mandago said.
NOC-K team are in Uasin Gishu to check on available facilities for athletes preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, the Governor has asked for the trials to be held in the County, as it was the case for the previous Olympics trials which pulled huge crowds.
He however challenged the national government to ensure the construction works for Kipchoge Keino stadium are completed as quickly as possible.
“Last trials were held in Eldoret and it’s our hope that Kipchoge will be complete to have a repeat of the trials here,” he noted.
Mandago also affirmed his administration’s commitment to improving sporting facilities.
He said already tendering process for the modern 64 Stadium have been completed even as the County is also constructing a high altitude training centre in Chagaiya.
“We just completed procurement process for 64 stadium which we hope to complete in 18 months. We’re also building an high altitude training centre which can accommodate 400 athletes,” he noted.
NOC-Kenya chairman Dr. Paul Tergat who led the delegation admitted that it was time Kenya had representation in other disciplines at the Olympics games.
According to Tergat, a veteran athlete, Kenya has a huge potential and massive talents when it comes to sports.
“We’re relying on very few disciplines and we need to have representation in all areas at the Olympics,” he said.
The Tokyo Olympic Games are expected to be held in July/August 2021.
