NAIROBI, Kenya, January 14 – An advance team including legendary athlete Frankie Fredericks will be in Nairobi later this month to assess Kenya’s preparedness for the Senior Africa Athletics Championships.Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) president Kalkaba Malboum said on Thursday that the visit will be the first in a series of reconnaissance projects to the country ahead of the championships set for 28th July to August 1st.
“The CAA secretary general, organisational and technical delegates will be here to discuss the logistics of the tournament, the competition site and accommodation for the athletes,” said Malboum.
“Later on the officials will come to organize the courses and train the officials who will be in charge of the championships as well as review the equipment,” he added.
Malboum expressed confidence that the local organising committee headed by Athletics Kenya (AK) secretary general and LOC CEO David Okeyo are more than capable to host a memorable championship.
“Okeyo and his team organized a good World Cross Country champions three years ago and I’m sure that will organize a much better tournament than Ethiopia,” said Malboum.
Malboum also confirmed that there will be no prize money on offer but successful athletes will stand a chance to represent Africa at the IAAF Continental Cup in the Croatian town of Split in September.
The championships are set to be held at Nyayo National Stadium with Okeyo allaying fears that there are not enough facilities for the athletes to warm up.
“For track events, there is actually a warm up track that runs round the netball and basketball courts. All it needs is relaying. As for field events we are trying to see whether the participants cam use the CID Training school or Upper Hill High School, so it should not be a problem,” said Okeyo.
Okeyo also said that the championship’s technical committee has identified and ordered the necessary equipment for the event.
Head of Marketing Sue Omanga said that her committee has set up exciting packages for the tournament.
“We have received encouraging responses from companies who we have approached as potential sponsors. We will also be meeting with media houses to discuss with them how publicity for the event,” said Omanga.