Principal Secretary for Basic Education Belio Kipsang has urged students competing at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national competitions being held at Machakos Boys School to compete with honor and dignity.
PS Kipsang asked the students to uphold values that define true sportsmanship like integrity, respect and fair play.
The PS said this in a speech read by Director Basic Education Secondary Schools Paul Kibet, during the official opening of the KSSSA competition at Machakos Kenyatta stadium on Tuesday which will see champions from the eight regions fighting for top positions.
The inter-school championship will feature athletics, basketball, hockey, cross country, handball, rugby and swimming and the winners of the five-day event will head to Uganda for the East Africa Games that will be held in August.
Kipsang said the championship presents a chance for learners to showcase their skills, resilience, and sportsmanship and interact and learn from one another thus surpassing regional and ethnic boundaries.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment in promoting sports and inclusivity by encouraging co-curricular activities in schools every year.
“We believe in the power of sports to unite and empower individuals and communities to achieve great things and develop individuals into compassionate and understanding human beings,” said Kipsang.
The PS added that the government has mobilized resources for co curriculum activities and disclosed plans to reorganize how co -curricular activities are conducted to give each learner an opportunity to develop and exploit their talent.
He however discouraged the students from any form of cheating and doping in pursuit of victory and implored the coaches to help the learners to develop their skills and talent to full potential.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi on his part decried the lack of sporting facilities and urged the national government to collaborate with counties to establish more sporting facilities of international standards.
Mwangangi hailed Brookside for sponsoring the KSSA and called upon other organizations to extend their support for the national championship games.
Machakos Deputy County Commissioner David Rotich while speaking at the same event, assured the participants and guests of their safety saying the county security team has made proper arrangements to ensure all are safe during the competitions.
By Anne Kangero
