Eldoret ready to host Olympic trials, says Mandago

Uasin Gishu County governor Jackson Mandago has welcomed Athletics Kenya’s (AK) move to once again stage the trials for the 2020 Olympic Games in Eldoret.

According to AK calendar released last week, the trials for the Summer Games are penciled for June 19-21 at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium.

The trials for the 2016 Rio Olympics were held at the same venue, attracting a multitude of fans and Mandago is optimistic they will host another successful event despite questions surrounding the readiness of Kipchoge Stadium whose renovation works have stalled.

“We have been in discussion with the Ministry of Sports and the Cabinet Secretary has pledged to ensure the stadium is complete. It may not be fully complete but the major facilities that will be used including running track will be completed. On our part as county government we will provide an enabling environment to make the event a success,” said Mandago.

At the same time, Mandago revealed that his administration is finalising on the plans to facelift the 64 Stadium to a state of the art facility.

“We have already completed the designs and allocated resources to build the 64 stadium. We are only finalising on a few formalities then we can advertise. I want to promise that in two years time we will have completed the construction,” he said.

The county chief said the three-day event will also go a long way in boosting the economy of his county since it will create business opportunities for the residents.

Meanwhile, Mandago has revealed that plans are underway for the county to name some of the streets in Eldoret town after legendary athletes who hail from the region.

“I can say that is work in progress because we are not only working on Eliud Kipchoge. We are also incorporating those athletes who brought glory in early days,” added Mandago