FORMER international athlete Thomas Osano has launched an athletics club in Masaba South, Kisii county. The club to be known as Kiomiti athletics Club was officially opened by Athletics Kenya (AK) Nyanza South chairman Peter Angwenyi and Kisii sports officer, Robert Wepukhulu.

"The club will be used to tap and expose talent," said Angwenyi who is also the AK public relations officer. Angwenyi welcomed Osano's gesture in re-starting the camp, saying several athletes were discovered at Kiomiti. He asked athletes from the region to start such clubs as one way of giving back to society.

Top athletes from the region among them two-time world junior cross country champion Phillip Mosima, Josephat Machuka, Julius Gwako and Pacifica Monda graced the occasion.

Over 200 athletes participated in a 5km road race to mark the inauguration of the club. Youth international Edwin Mokua won the men's race in 15:00.39, followed by Wesley Ochoro in 15:26.59 while James Nakeli was third in a time of 15:28.06. Experienced Jane Onyang'i won the women's category in 17:54.06 and was followed by Damaris Ondieki who clocked 19:19.65. Gladys Mong'are was third in 20:21.27.