Coe pleased with Kenya’s readiness for WU20

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe is confident Kenya will deliver a successful World Under-20 event on August 17-22 at Kasarani Stadium.

With just under two weeks until the start of the delayed global event, Coe praised Kenya’s preparations amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I would like to really thank the Kenyan government led by the president who is very passionate about sport and also the federation who have really been determined to deliver this Championship.

We recognise that we are currently living under difficult circumstances where we need systems to keep athletes and the local community safe but I genuinely believe these championships will be spectacular,” Coe said.

Sports CS Amina Mohammed and PS Joe Okudo lead WU20 LOC members being taken through a walkabout at the MISC Kasarani by Sports Kenya DG Pius Metto. Photo/ Courtesy.

The World Junior event will be the second high profile event for World Athletics since the onset of the pandemic after the World Relays Championships that was held in Silesia, Poland in May.

The event’s secretariat revealed that more than 128 countries have already been confirmed for the event that will be held in African soil for the first time.

At the same time Coe explained that the biennial event is crucial in maintain a smooth transition for junior athletes.

“This event is crucial for us since it goes a long way in bridging the gap between the junior and senior categories in the career of an athlete,” said Coe.

Alongside hosting the week-long event, Kenya will be also seeking to defend her title won at the 2018 edition held in Tampere, Finland.

Kenyan team has been sharpening its arsenal in a bubble camp at the Kasarani Stadium.