The President National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) Paul Tergat has called on the government to take action against quack coaches who prey on female athletes killing them and coning them their hard earned wealth.
Dr Tergat who was speaking during the unveiling of the World Heritage Plaque awarded to Iten regretted that the athletic sector had been infiltrated by quack coaches who take advantage of young female athletes.
He said while Iten is recognised world over for its contribution to athletics, such people were destroying the image built over the years saying female athletes should be allowed to not only earn but also enjoy the sport.
The NOCK president called for training of coaches in schools so that they can identify and develop talents at an early age saying provision of an opportunity and exposure were key in the development of athletes.
“A coach identified my talent in athletics when I was 20 years old, the opportunity he accorded me has made me what I am today,” he said.
Speaking during the same occasion the Athletics Kenya vice president Lt. Gen. (RTD) Jack Tuwei assured athletes who participated in last year’s Iten Marathon that they will be paid by next week.
Tuwei said he had talked to the race sponsors and agreed that the money will not be sent to AK but directly to the athletes saying they had already compiled their names and contacts.
The vice president called on coaches to start preparing athletes for the major upcoming races citing World Indoor Championships, the World Relays both to be held in China and the African under 20 which will take place in Algeria among others. He called on the coaches to put emphasis on the competition and qualifying standards.
Noting that Iten was among the only two places in Africa to be awarded the plaque out of the 214 World Athletics member countries, Tuwei called for athletes in the county to maintain the high discipline and redouble their efforts in developing athletics.
Governor Wisley Rotich called on AK to continue supporting the hosting of athletic events in the county and also upcoming athletes until when they will be able to stand on their own.
He said the development of athletics would improve the county’s revenue saying it added another revenue stream from hotels and training camps.
The Governor added there was a ripple effect in the economy as farmers get market for their produce while other investors like landlords and those in the transport sector among others also benefit.
By Alice Wanjiru
