29 November 2009
editorial
Nairobi — Kenya seek to leave a lasting mark when it competes at the inaugural Youth Olympics in Singapore next year. The event, which was established by International Olympics Committee, aims at promoting a culture of Olympics among young athletes.
However, the announcement by National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) officials that athletes will only have a 14-day training period, one in December and another in April, is disappointing because the time is not enough to sharpen their skills.
With over nine months to go, the government has already confirmed it will provide Sh311 million towards preparing and sending teams to the two competitions. What is not clear is Nock's input in the entire process.
For years, Nock has only come on board at supervisory level, just weeks to the championship, offering little help in the build-up and preparation of the athletes. Nock needs to second its officials and coaches to respective federations to see that the right skills and training are imparted to the athletes.
Most of the Sh140 million earmarked for the Youth Olympics must go directly towards the preparation of the athletes if Kenya expects to perform well.
Differences between Nock officials and the federations, which for a long time have derailed the development progress of sports in the country especially in tae kwon do, athletics and boxing, must not be allowed to take centre-stage.
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