World Athletics announces Olympic champion Tebogo as Kids’ Athletics ambassador

 

Kids' Athletics ambassador Letsile Tebogo (© Monirul Bhuiyan for World Athletics)

BY WORLD ATHLETICS

World Athletics is proud to announce Botswana’s Olympic gold medallist and World Athlete of the Year 2024 Letsile Tebogo as an ambassador for its Kids’ Athletics programme, a global initiative that uses the power of athletics to inspire children across the world to be more active.

Tebogo captured the world’s attention when he blazed his way to Olympic 200m glory in Paris in 19.46, making him the fifth-fastest man in history. As a young role model and a champion of the sport, the 21-year-old is committed to using his platform to encourage the next generation to embrace athletics for fun, fitness and personal growth.

Expressing his excitement about the role, Tebogo said: “Athletics has given me so many opportunities, and I want to inspire young people to believe in themselves, dream big and enjoy the sport. The Kids’ Athletics programme is about making athletics accessible and fun, and I am honoured to be part of this initiative to help develop future champions – on and off the track.”

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said: “I am always delighted when a talent like Letsile Tebogo emerges through our competition structures. It shows other young talented athletes the pathway. Letsile is confident, determined and humble and is already inspiring a whole generation of young potential athletes and children as they learn to make sport part of every day. This is why I am so pleased Letsile has agreed to be an ambassador for Kids’ Athletics.”

The collaboration will involve Tebogo taking part in the Relay Around the World Challenge ahead of this year’s Kids’ Athletics Day – an annual celebration of children being active and participating in athletics – which will take place on 7 May 2025.

This year’s theme, Relay Around the World, is inspired by the upcoming World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China. The challenge is the biggest, most inclusive Kids’ Athletics participation activity yet, designed to inspire the athletes of tomorrow and get kids moving everywhere.

More information will be released when the campaign launches on 6 April 2025.

Primary and Junior secondary school pupils display athletic talent as school games gets underway

 

Athletics Kenya (AK) remains committed to collaborating with schools in promoting an environment that continues to serve as a breeding ground for emerging athletic talent.

The federation recognizes the significant role of primary school athletics, aligning it with AK's Kids Athletics program, which provides young athletes with an early platform to discover and nurture their abilities.

Today, the Nandi Central region witnessed a remarkable display of talent during the Term One Primary and Junior Secondary School games. The event showcased the incredible potential of young athletes, further highlighting the importance of these school competitions in identifying and developing the next generation of athletic stars.

Schools prepares for World Kids Athletics Day

Kids from Kermetio in Uasin Gishu takes part in Sack relays ahead of kid's athletics day.

As the countdown to the World Kids Athletics Day intensifies, various schools are gearing up for the event with a series of exciting athletic activities. This year's theme, "Relay Around the World," inspired by the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, is aimed at setting a new record for the largest kids' relay worldwide.

One of the schools already making strides in its preparation is The Rock Kermetio in Uasin Gishu County. Today, the school's pupils engaged in an array of fun and competitive activities, including sack relays, potato-and-spoon relays, 4x100m relays, and high jump, all of which showcased their energy and enthusiasm for the upcoming event.

In addition to these activities, the school has already seen remarkable success from some of its students, who performed exceptionally well in the 2025 Sirikwa Classic World Athletics Cross Country Tour at Lobo village in Eldoret.

Barnaba Korir, the Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director, emphasized the importance of these early preparations for the children. "We are thrilled to see schools actively participating in the Kids Athletics program," Korir said. "It's crucial to provide young athletes with the opportunity to engage in these activities as it helps develop their skills and promotes a love for sports from an early age."

Korir also highlighted Athletics Kenya’s continued commitment to supporting these schools. "To ensure that schools are fully equipped for success, we will be providing training resources and facilities to enhance the children's performance," he added. "This will not only improve their chances of success but also inspire a new generation of athletes."

As more schools join the preparations for the World Kids Athletics Day, Athletics Kenya is confident that this year’s event will be a milestone, inspiring future athletes and bringing communities together through the spirit of sport.

Watch Video Below:

DOCUMENTARY: AK'S Kids Athletics Program, shaping the champions of tomorrow

 Kenya, renowned for producing some of the world’s finest athletes, owes much of its success to the rich talent nurtured in the north rift’s breathtaking terrains. These high-altitude landscapes serve as the hidden cradle of champions, with athletes continually conquering the global stage year after year.

A country defined by generations of excellence, Kenya’s dominance in athletics is no accident. It is the result of years of dedicated effort and careful planning, ensuring that the future of athletics is secure. Athletics Kenya (AK) has long recognized that to maintain this tradition, it must start at the very roots—cultivating young talent from an early age through Kids Athletics program.

Kids Athletics, an initiative that focuses on identifying and nurturing potential from the beginning. Through this program, hundreds of children are introduced to the world of athletics at a formative age. It is a carefully structured environment, designed not just to create champions, but to build a pipeline of future athletes who will continue Kenya's legacy of excellence.

Young Athletes Shine at the Absa Sirikwa Classic, Inspiring Future Champions

 

Young Athletes Shine at the Absa Sirikwa Classic, Inspiring Future Champions

Hundreds of young athletes gathered today in Eldoret for the fourth edition of the Absa Sirikwa Classic World Athletics Cross Country Tour, eagerly competing in various race categories.

 This event served as a precursor to the highly anticipated Under-20 and elite races for both men and women.

Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jack Tuwei commended the enthusiasm of the young participants, urging parents to continue supporting their children's passion for sports and helping develop a lasting interest in athletics.

Young Athletes Shine at the Absa Sirikwa Classic, Inspiring Future Champions

Barnaba Korir, AK's Youth Development Director, emphasized the significance of the event for the young athletes. "It was inspiring to see these kids compete on the same platform as elite stars," he remarked. "Their impressive performances at the Absa Sirikwa Classic not only showcased their potential but also allowed them to gain valuable experience in the world of athletics."

The event provided a unique opportunity for the children to interact with seasoned athletes, who likely served as powerful sources of inspiration.

 The atmosphere was filled with excitement as spectators cheered on the young athletes, clapping and encouraging them as they passed through the challenging course. The courage displayed by the children, as they navigated the race amid hundreds of enthusiastic spectators, was truly remarkable.

Barnaba Korir congratulates young after crossing the line at Sirikwa Classic World Athletics Cross Country Tour.

"It  was both moving and inspiring to watch them cross the finish line, demonstrating resilience and determination."Korir said.

Korir also highlighted the success of AK’s kid's athletics program, which has seen an increasing number of children participating in various competitions. "These young athletes represent the future of athletics, and Athletics Kenya is fully committed to supporting them, identifying their talents, and helping them reach their full potential," he said.

Watch Video Below:

Athletics Kenya Cracks Down on Age Cheating to Ensure Fair Play in Competitions

AK's Barnaba Korir and officials during documents verification of the under 20 category athletes  at Absa Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour 2025.

Athletics Kenya (AK) has introduced a more stringent approach to combat age cheating in a bid to maintain fairness and integrity in athletic competitions. In an effort to ensure athletes compete in the correct age categories, AK officials are now conducting rigorous age verifications through document checks before each competition.

This new policy is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Kenyan athletics, ensuring that every competitor participates based on their true age. The initiative is part of AK’s broader commitment to upholding a level playing field for all athletes.

Speaking on the importance of this initiative, AK’s Youth Development Director, Barnaba Korir, emphasized the need for fairness and transparency in the sport. "As we continue to nurture and develop athletic talent in Kenya, it is critical that we create an environment of honesty and integrity. Age verification is an essential part of this effort, ensuring young athletes can compete in categories that reflect their true potential," Korir stated.

In addition to the document checks, AK is calling on educators and parents to actively support this initiative. The organization encourages a collective effort to instill the values of honesty and fairness in young athletes, which will play a crucial role in the future of athletics in Kenya.

The new age verification policy will be enforced for  all under 20 athletes competing in all the AK events. 

By prioritizing fairness and integrity, Athletics Kenya aims to protect the sport's reputation while helping young athletes reach their full potential without the risk of unfair competition.

Cheirot Primary School Pupils Prepare for Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour in Eldoret

Pupils of Cheirot Primary School in Nandi County during their training ahead of Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country.

Pupils of Cheirot Primary School in Nandi County are gearing up for the prestigious Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour, set to take place this Saturday in Eldoret. The school’s athletic team has been making waves in the athletics scene, thanks to a supportive community and a dedicated training camp established on school grounds.

The Cheirot Primary School athletes have made an impressive mark in recent competitions organized by Athletics Kenya (AK) in the kids' categories. Their consistent performance is a result of the meticulous training regimen that has been carefully nurtured with the help of local support.

The school has benefited greatly from a training camp, which has been instrumental in shaping the students into rising athletic stars. The camp, established in the school with the  help of the community, allows the pupils to hone their skills and stay competitive in a sport they are passionate about.

Pupils of Cheirot Primary School in Nandi County during their training ahead of Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country.

Headteacher Mark Lelei commended Athletics Kenya’s Kids Athletics Program, emphasizing that such initiatives are pivotal in identifying and developing future champions. "The AK Kids Athletics Program is a game-changer for young athletes in Kenya. It offers a platform for talented children to showcase their skills and grow in the sport," he said.

Lelei expressed confidence in the school’s preparations for the upcoming cross-country event in Eldoret, stating that the pupils have undergone rigorous training and are ready for the challenge. “We are well-prepared not only for the Sirikwa Classic but also for the school’s athletic calendar. Our athletes are committed, and we believe they will continue to perform well and represent the school with pride,” Lelei added.

The Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour is expected to bring together top talent from around the world, offering an exciting opportunity for the young runners to compete on a global stage. 

Watch video:

Athletics Kenya Reinforces Commitment to Kids Athletics Program with Trainer Training in Embu

Training of trainers for Kids Athletics program at Chuka Boys in Embu County 

Athletics Kenya (AK) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Kids Athletics program, an initiative designed for children aged 4 to 14 years. 

 The program aims to offer an engaging and high-quality experience for young athletes, providing easy-to-use teaching resources that introduce the fundamentals of athletics through enjoyable, social games.

 Additionally, it offers opportunities to explore various athletic disciplines and participate in competitive athletics. AK this year conducted a training session for Trainers of Trainers in the Kids Athletics program. 

The training, which took place at Chuka Boys School in Embu County, was led by AK’s Joyce Odhiambo. The participants, drawn from the AK Eastern region, were guided through the core principles of the program. 

Participants during the training of trainers for Kids Athletics.

Kids Athletics has gained significant traction in Kenya, with its impact visible in schools, where the program has been embraced and integrated into their athletic training. 

The federation has also been instrumental in supporting these schools and facilitating children's participation in various athletic competitions across the country. 

  Mr. Barnaba Korir, AK’s Youth Development Director, emphasized the importance of supporting such initiatives.

 “Instilling sporting discipline in children at an early age is crucial. The Kids Athletics program allows us to track the progress of young athletes, better understand their development, and ensure we are accurately documenting their achievements. It also helps us understand their age categories and other vital information that will guide their future participation in the sport.” 

 The initiative continues to build momentum and is seen as a critical step in building a strong foundation for the next generation of Kenyan athletes.