NAIROBI, Kenya, August 21- President Mwai Kibaki has directed the Ministry of Sports to move fast and establish the cause of the dismal performance of Team Kenya at the recently concluded London Olympics.
Speaking at State House in Nairobi when he presented the flag to the national team to the Federation of International Motocross 2012 Continental Championships in Kampala, Uganda, President Kibaki noted that the poor performance was raising concern among Kenyans.
“We are proud of Kenya’s position as a leading sporting nation. Let us never take that for granted,” he said.
In this regard, the Head of State said he was awaiting the report of the investigation by the Ministry of Sports in order to ensure that the lessons learnt will guide the country in future events.
President Kibaki, at the same time, reminded sports federations and officials that they only held leadership positions in trust, on behalf of Kenyans, and they should at all times put the needs and aspirations of the sporting fraternity above any other consideration.
The President also asked sports managers in the country, entrusted with the great task of guiding the youth to be self reliant and responsible citizens, to show transparency and accountability in their leadership at all times so as not to bring sports into disrepute.
“They must, therefore, at all times put the needs and aspirations of the sporting fraternity above any other consideration,” the President said.
President Kibaki also urged sportsmen and women to uphold the hard work exhibited in past championships, bearing in mind that other young people look upon them as role models.
The Head of State observed that maintenance of high discipline, hard work and refraining from being distracted by unnecessary pleasures of life are the hallmarks of a champion.
Saying Kenya has performed well in the past with the most memorable event being the 2007 Championships in Nairobi when the country’s team emerged victorious, the President called on the East African Motor Sports Club, who are the custodians of the motor cross sport in the country, to keep up their hard working spirit.
He once again reminded the motocross team members to maintain high standards of discipline and hard work so as to excel in the sport, in school and in all other spheres of life.
Speaking during the occasion, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Paul Otuoma said his ministry recognized the importance of youth development and was working closely with the Ministry of Education in early identification and development of young talents.
Dr. Otuoma said the hard work and commitment exhibited by the Kenya National Motocross team was a clear testimony of their determination to win in the Uganda championships.
