Lagos — President Mwai Kibaki on Wednesday opened the 17th Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Senior Championships in Nairobi, Kenya.

Speaking during the opening ceremony at Nyayo National Stadium, Kibaki expressed optimism that the championships would be of world class standards as it brought together top Athletes from Africa.

Besides the competition, the President said the championships would also provide a great opportunity of interaction among different people from the continent and foster a better understanding between them.

He pointed out that the championships would also bring to the fore the many potential linkages that exist among the people of Africa, which could be exploited for the betterment of their lives.

"I, therefore, wish you all a very successful championship and a happy and most memorable stay in Kenya. You should also find time from your busy schedule to interact with Kenyans, make friends and visit our many attractions around the country."

He called on Kenyans to come out in large numbers to cheer the athletes and encourage them to greater performance.

The President, at the same time, thanked both the International Association of Athletics Federation and the Confederation of African Athletics for bestowing the great honour of hosting the championships on Kenya.

"I am deeply gratified that our country has been selected this time round to host the 17th Africa Senior Athletics Championships," he said.

He observed that only three years ago, Kenya hosted the 35th edition of the International Association of the Athletics Federation World Cross Country championships in the City of Mombasa.

Speaking during the occasion, the Confederation of African Athletics President Col. Ahmed Kalkaba thanked the Kenya Government for being at the forefront in promoting athletics in Africa.

Col. Kalkaba, therefore, noted that the choice of Nairobi as the host of this year's CAA senior championships was a tribute to Kenya's position in athletics in the continent.