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| Moi Educational Centre Sports Day |
By Robert Kibet
Nairobi, Kenya, September 9, 2025– The fields of Moi Educational Centre in Nairobi were filled with energy and excitement as hundreds of the school’s pupils competed in athletics activities during the school’s 18th Annual Sports Day. The colorful event showcased the power of sports in shaping young lives and reaffirmed athletics as the heartbeat of Kenya’s sporting culture.
The chief guest was Barnaba Korir, Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director and First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK). Addressing teachers, parents, and learners, Korir praised Moi Educational Centre for its consistent commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots.
“Kids’ Athletics is the cornerstone of our development program at Athletics Kenya,” he said. “What we have witnessed here today is the very foundation of Kenya’s continued success on the global stage. Giving children opportunities to participate in structured athletics at an early age is invaluable.”
A Festival of Talent and Teamwork
The sports day featured a wide range of competitions—100m sprints, relays, middle-distance races, ball games, and fun sporting activities designed to promote inclusivity and teamwork. The sight of children sprinting across the tracks, cheered on by their peers and parents, reflected both raw talent and the joy of discovery.
Teachers at the school emphasized that sports days are not only about winning medals but also about giving every child a platform to showcase ability, build character, and develop confidence.
Moi Educational Centre Principal, Peter Rotich, said the school takes pride in offering holistic education.
“We are committed to providing quality education supported by a strong sporting program. Athletics, in particular, is part of our national identity, and giving our pupils space to grow in this discipline helps them excel both in academics and in life.”
Linking Schools to National Success
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Korir highlighted that Kenya’s dominance in world athletics is rooted in grassroots programs such as these. From the Olympics to the World Championships, he noted, many of the country’s heroes began their journeys on school tracks before rising to the national stage.
“Our excellence internationally is no accident,” he explained. “It comes from deliberate investment in youth programs, school competitions, and strong partnerships with the Ministry of Education. When schools like Moi Educational Centre embrace athletics, they directly contribute to Kenya’s sporting legacy.”
He added that Athletics Kenya will continue working with schools and communities to expand Kids’ Athletics programs nationwide. The goal is to provide every child—whether in cities or rural areas—an opportunity to identify and nurture their talents.
Sports as a Pathway
Korir reminded the audience that sports should be viewed as “a means to an end.” Athletics, he said, instills discipline, resilience, and teamwork—values that serve children in academics, careers, and life.
“Sports is not an end in itself—it is a pathway,” he said. “Our role is to ensure that children balance education with athletics, using both to achieve their dreams.”
He encouraged other schools to emulate Moi Educational Centre’s model, noting that many football academies and sports academies have thrived in schools, and athletics must be given equal focus to keep Kenya ahead globally.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The event concluded with an award ceremony where winners in different categories were recognized with medals and certificates. The cheers of classmates and parents created an atmosphere of pride and motivation that left a lasting impression on the young athletes.
For Athletics Kenya, events such as Moi Educational Centre’s sports day are more than just annual celebrations—they are investments in the nation’s future. Every sprint, every relay, and every race represents the first steps of tomorrow’s champions.
As Korir put it, “What we saw here today proves that the future of Kenyan athletics is secure. With schools, teachers, parents, and institutions working together, we will continue to produce world-class athletes who not only win medals but also inspire generations.”
The 18th edition of Moi Educational Centre’s Sports Day was therefore not just a school event—it was a celebration of Kenya’s enduring athletic spirit and a reminder that the Olympic dream begins in playgrounds and classrooms across the country.
