All systems go for World U20 Championships

Isaac Swila in Naivasha

Preparations for the World Athletics Under-20 Championships are at an advanced stage and organisers are leaving nothing to chance ahead of the global event.

World U20 Deputy CEO Dr Ruth Egesa told journalists at a seminar in Naivasha that the local organising committee is burning the midnight oil to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The Championships, initially set for last year was pushed back to this year thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic and will now be held from August 17-22  in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, with Kenya’s sports cathedral, the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani hosting the event.

Dr. Egesa added that plans are in place to ensure athletes, journalists and all those associated with the event are tested, as measures to combat the pandemic and have a safe competition.

“We’re at a very advanced stage. We’ve had several meeting with organisers(World Athletics). They have been here(Nairobi) several times and they’ve approved all the measures we have put in place.

Initially we were supposed to be at Kenyatta University(team training) but now we will have our training at Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarabi(stadium) has really improved,” she explained.

The Local Organising Committee have also signed deals with several hotels in the city among them; Eka, Tamarind, Stanley, Panafric, amongst others, where participants will be staying.

No spectators will be allowed at the event.

Kenya will be aiming for another majestic show to chisel her credential as a world athletics powerhouse.

Dr. Egesa also challenged the journalists to show patriotism by reporting accurately on the build-up and during the event.

“It’s good to get first class information when recording. The whole world needs to see the truth and what is happening. Let’s work for our nation, let us build our country,” she said, adding that, “We’re bidding for 2025 so that we have even more games coming…so the way we’ll handle this event will either build or break us. Let’s work together, team work is important,” she pleaded.