Young athletes turned out in large numbers for the 34th edition of the Nike Discovery Kenya Cross Country, held at Eldoret Sports Club today.
The event, founded by Dr. Gabriele Rosa, has long been a platform for identifying and nurturing young athletic talent, with many past participants going on to achieve success on the international stage.
Apart from the senior and under 20 races, the event featured various categories for children, including a 500-meter race for ages 5-6, a 1-kilometer race for ages 7-9, and a 2-kilometer race for ages 10-12 for both boys and girls.
Athletics Kenya (AK) President, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jack Tuwei, commended the AK Kids Athletics Development Program, emphasizing the importance of introducing children to sports at an early age. "Nurturing athletic talent from a young age is critical to developing future champions in Kenya. This program continues to serve as a vital platform for identifying and fostering emerging talent, ensuring that our country remains at the forefront of international athletics," Tuwei remarked.
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| Timothy Kitum, Barnaba Korir and Vivian Cheruiyot at Discovery Kenya Cross Country in Eldoret. |
Barnabas Korir, AK’s Youth Development Director, underscored the significance of these initiatives, highlighting the importance of early participation in sports. "Athletics Kenya is deeply committed to advancing youth development through various events in our athletic calendar. Today, we witnessed the vibrant involvement of young athletes in the Nike Discovery Kenya Cross Country, further reinforcing the event’s essential role in shaping the next generation of Kenyan athletes," Korir stated.
Korir also pointed to the wider benefits of such programs, noting that they instill discipline, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose in young athletes. "Our commitment extends beyond developing athletic skills. We are actively teaching young athletes about the dangers of substance abuse and its detrimental effects on their health and sport. Instilling integrity at an early age is vital to ensuring that they not only excel in athletics but also lead healthy, responsible lives," he explained.
The surge in participation at such events speaks volumes about the growing popularity of sports among young Kenyans. The continued success of these development programs is not only cultivating a love for athletics among the youth but also contributing to the large turnout of enthusiastic participants at each race.
" This increase in involvement is a clear indication that youth sports programs are positively shaping Kenya’s future athletic landscape."Korir added.
