The government, through the Ministry of Sports, is set to build a sports academy in the Asiriam area of Chakol South Ward, Teso South Constituency, in efforts to nurture and develop talents in the community.
Speaking at Chakol South Ward during a public participation function, Teso South MP Mary Emase revealed that they are at the initial stage and are already deliberating on purchasing a 10-acre piece of land near Asiriam Primary School for the development of a sports academy.
The proposed academy, she said, is expected to host an ultra-modern soccer and athletic pitch with changing rooms, an office complex, training halls, an indoor games arena, a gymnasium, entertainment blocks, and a sanitary block where young, talented athletes will nurture their potential.
“The sports activities teach physical, mental, and tactical training to athletes. Sportsmen and women will get the opportunity to follow the rules and regulations of the game and obey and respect the decisions of the coach during training for easier molding of talents,” she noted.
Emase observed that Teso South had been chosen along with the other 34 sports academies that are being constructed in the country, adding that the academy is expected to utilize sports to enhance cohesion among the local communities.
The MP reiterated that the majority of youths have wasted their talents in alcoholism and have been coaxed into violence by politicians.
“The young people who have been in the past idling and vulnerable to rogue politicians will have a chance to exercise their talents. This is expected to promote peace and cohesion in this area,” she said.
“There are many young people in our society who are talented but lack the grounds to exercise their talent. The academy will be a good platform to build and nurture their talents and give them a chance to compete with other young people from outside the country,” she said.
The establishment of this academy will be in line with the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, which targets to tap and nature talent at the village level. The Academy’s function will also include collecting, collating, storing, and disseminating tangible and intangible historical sports material to the public.
By Absalom Namwalo
