Kenya: Coach Kirwa Decries Use of Stadium As Cattle Grazing Ground

28 March 2012

NATIONAL athletics coach Julius Kirwa has expressed disappointment at the dilapidated state of the Kapsabet Kipchoge Keino stadium which has been converted into a grazing ground for cattle. Kirwa charged that it was a disgrace to the athletics fraternity in the country and challenged the local council which manages the field to carry out urgent repairs on its track and field since the ground is home to many international athletes who use it for training.

Kirwa was speaking at the venue when he brought in 42 international runners for training in preparation for the AK mini trials for men's 10,000m and Prefontaine Classic in Eugene in Oregon. Kirwa regretted at the state of the stadium, saying it could have been one of the best grounds for those travelling abroad for the trials. "Kapsabet has the same altitude with Oregon and it is appropriate for training, especially for those travelling for US events," the coach added. Accompanied by coaches Peter Mathu, John Mwithiga, Sammy Rono, Penina Talam and Bruce Lati, Kirwa asked the local Kapsabet municipality to carry out urgent track repairs and block livestock from entering the stadium.

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