Athletics Kenya (AK) has been urged to establish a sports camp in Teso North to tap and nurture the huge talents that go unnoticed in the area.
Speaking during the Teso North Cross Country event, Busia Athletics Kenya Chairperson Martin Kabaka noted that Teso has a favourable climate that supports long-distance races; hence, it would be good to establish a sports and training camp in the area.
“This region has the suitable climate that supports the long-distance races; therefore, there is a need for AK to set up a training camp for talent development,” said Kabaka.
He added that Teso North, for many years, has produced a host of athletes who represented this country at the national and international level.
“Teso gave us Dan Amke, one of the finest sprinters in the early 80’s. We have witnessed many athletics from this region, and as AK, we must acknowledge that by supporting this region,” he added.
The sentiments were echoed by Teso North Cross-country Patron Charlese Cheseto, who appreciated the high level of competition witnessed during the event.
“Beside this being a pre-trial, we have seen great potential, and many athletes have run within the set time, which indicates the level of competition,” noted Cheseto.
Cheseto said the cross-country will act as a pretrial ahead of the great Chepsaita Cross-country to be held in December, where 10 athletes from Teso in each category secured a slot.
“We have selected 10 athletes in every category who will represent this county at the Great Chepsaita Cross-country. Also, we will support them to train under elite coaches before they go to compete at the international level,” he added.
Joshua Ipara urged the Ministry of Sport to scout from the grassroots and shun corruption during trials.
Iparaa urged the County Government of Busia to either operationalise the Ministry of Sports or the department be scrapped off for its inefficiency.
“The Ministry of Sports in the county has been a big letdown even as talented youths in various sports continue to struggle; the county has no structure to support these talents,” said Ipara.
16-year-old Bernard Emokol, a total orphan and a student at ACK Koresait Secondary School, emerged the overall best athlete during the cross-country when he topped the under-20 category.
“I came to run so that someone like Eliud Kipchoge or Ferdinand Omanyala could spot my talent and help me. I have great dreams only because I have no parent or anybody to hold my hand,” said Emokol.
Ruth Ajaka, Felistus Omeriani, and Janet Anyaa finished in the podium position for the girls under 20 category.
By Absalom Namwalo
