18 March 2011
editorial
Nairobi — Not many Kenyans have heard of Punta Umbria. The little town in Spain this weekend diverts us from unhealthy pre-occupation with politics to much more pleasurable pursuits.
Punta Humbra hosts on Sunday the 39th edition of the World Cross-Country championships, where Kenyan runners will be striving to match the unprecedented exploits of the 2010 team that swept all the eight gold medals on offer.
Replicating the heroics recorded in Poland will not be easy.
Traditional rivals Ethiopia will be at hand seeking to reclaim the glory; as will Eritrea and Uganda who are capable of gate-crashing the podium party.
All Kenyan eyes this weekend should shift attention from divisive politicians and focus on the young men and women who exemplify the highest patriotic spirit.
They subjected themselves to gruelling preparation to qualify at national trials where the only criterion was merit, not political affiliation, family links, ethnic background or any other extraneous factor.
That is the spirit that must inform our national discourse.
AllAfrica – All the Time
View article:
Kenya: Athletes Going for Glory