12 June 2011
Nairobi — Kenya is preparing for the biggest track and field competition, the World Championship in Daegu, South Korea, in August.
However, the government is reneging on an earlier agreement with Athletics Kenya to fund its two teams for the world youth championship in France in July and the senior world championship in Daegu.
The federation had put forward a Sh35 million budget, but the Sports ministry said it had no funds.
Athletics Kenya has already spent millions of shillings sending teams to the Africa cross-country competition, Africa junior championship and other regional events in Eritrea and Tanzania this year.
But the government’s priorities on sport are misplaced.
Had it directed finances to national assignments like the athletics world championship, this would have gone a long way in cementing Kenya’s authority on the global arena.
Eventually, when the team is sent to Korea and France and they win medals, the government will be quick to bask in the glory.
Athletes have done well in selling Kenya’s brand at the global stage, but their achievements have been ignored by the government.
This state of things must change.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Read the article:
Kenya: Star Athletes Neglected