As Kenyans mark Mashujaa Day, we have nothing to celebrate, athletes lament

As Kenyans marked Mashujaa Day yesterday, athletes in the North Rift region have nothing to smile about as they narrate a myriad of challenges hampering the growth of talents.

Two times Boston marathon winner Moses Tanui argues that the success of the Kenyan athletes is due to their own sacrifices with lack of sporting facilities now a song that has been sang so many times but which seems not to move the government to action.

“We have nothing to celebrate during this Mashujaa Day, athletes are suffering since no sports facility has been constructed in this area where athletes nurture their talents,” regretted Tanui.

Tanui said it is unfortunate that the government has done completely nothing to complete construction of stadia in the region yet athletes have brought fame to the country.

“The government should have build sports academies for training and sensitizing athletes from a young age to help us have more Kipchoges(Eliud).

According to Tanui, with proper mapping and control, brought about by government built facilities, chances of doping will be minimal.

“Issues of doping could not be heard since athletes that we have at the moment are training on their own with no proper guidance,” decried Tanui.

Tanui at the same time challenged the State to recognize and assist retired athletes rather than ferrying some to celebrations in Nairobi and Mombasa, noting that others are languishing in poverty.

Two times Linz Marathon winner Elius Kiptum faults the government for promising construction of nine stadia across the country, saying out of nine none has been delivered.

Kiptum who also won Kisumu Marathon said Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet has produced hundreds of best athletes but it is a shame it is in a deplorable condition.

“Ethiopians are now beating us in major races because they have the best sports facilities, we have no option because we can’t travel to Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums in Nairobi for training; they also tax athletes,” lamented Kiptum.

Amos Kipruto, who won bronze at the recently concluded World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar said many young athletes train at road sides and it is unfair for the government to neglect people who have not only brought fame but are also great ambassadors  of the country worldwide thanks to their heroics on the track.

AK president Retired General Jackson Tuwei said a lot has to be done. “We can’t cheat ourselves; we are doing badly in terms of training facilities,” noted the AK boss.

The leaders in the North Rift region decried delay in finishing the three major stadiums in the area namely Kipchoge Stadium in Uasin Gishu, Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet and Kipchoge Stadium in Kapsabet, Nandi county.

Meanwhile Uasin Gishu deputy governor Daniel Rono has called on DCI to intervene and launch investigations to ascertain whey work on the projects is dilly-dallying