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WORLD U18

H.E President opened the WU18 by the LOC’s Directorate of Media and Broadcasting.
Championships e spotlight on positive and critical coverage was
never away from the Championships during the
The LOC extended the invitation to HE President preparation period when the LOC faced challenges
Uhuru Kenyatta, family, staff and friends to attend and immediate prior to the Championships when
the opening ceremony of the IAAF World U18 enthusiasm for attendance was built was mainly
Championships. Indeed, HE the President accepted thanks to the media. Great stories came out and
to be and was chief guest of the opening ceremony the spectacular scenes of a packed 65,000 capacity
on Wednesday July 12 at 3.55pm. Kasarani Stadium on the penultimate and fi nal day
On Sunday, July 16 and 4.12pm HE Mrs Margaret were thanks also to the Press.
KYEB
Kenyatta graciously attended as chief guest the af-
Contractors and suppliers: ey delivered on con-
ternoon/evening session of the Championships and
struction and provision of goods and services. e
graded at 7.25pm the offi cial Closing Ceremony.
fl awless operations during the Championships an
understanding corps of professionals putting the job
Other distinguished service to the
fi rst even before sometimes diffi cult circumstances
Championships
meted out by a less perfect execution of their remu-
neration. e LOC appreciated their patience during
Security Operations: From the world teams’ entry
some of those trying moments.
point, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, to
the Athletes’ Village, IAAF Family and International
Media accommodations, to the Venue and the general
Nairobi’s environment, the Championships were safe
Tributes to the IAAF at this point of this report does
for participants and spectators, passing without an
not denote degree of importance. The LOC were
ugly incident. e work by the Ministry of Interior IAAF:
overwhelmed by the deluge of support from many
and the country’s security organs including the
KENYA YEARBO0K
top officials of the IAAF including first by many
Kenya Police, The Kenya Wildlife Service and the
technical offi cials going up to their seniors Mr Paul
National Youth Service was one of full dedication
Hardy, the Chief Executive Offi cer Mr Olivier Gers
and we cannot take for granted the fact that there
and indeed up to Council member Ms Sylvia Barlag
were no security breaches.
EDITORIAL BOARD
and the President himself Lord Sebastian Coe.
We hope that LOC and Kenya did make the impres-
Volunteers:
sion to the IAAF that some its less endowed members
e huge battery of volunteers did the country proud. round the way have the enthusiasm and the ability
to welcome the rest of the world to big events staged
Many of them young and on their fi rst ever such en- by “minnows”.
gagement many acquitted themselves like hardened Beaten by the bug of seeing such lovely competition
veterans. ey were an excellent promotion of a good on our doorsteps Kenyans are indeed dead serious
image about our country because they had fi rst hand that we want more in the future and through IAAF
and many hour contacts with visitors. I am glad to guidance we dare to dream that we can very soon
have heard many kind words about the behavior of host an IAAF Under-20 Championships, be candi-
Kenya’s young adults and budding professionals on dates for a future venue of the annual World Athletics
all spheres of professions. Series Diamond League and indeed the IAAF World
Athletics Championships as reasonably soon as 2025.
Media:
Caution about refurbished facilities at
From the beginning to the end Kenya’s media was Kasarani:
excellent. eir preparations for coverage started long
before hand being at the centre of many seminars and In conclusion, after all uplifting review of the IAAF
skill-learning sessions conducted round the country
WU18 Championships, Nairobi 2017, is just one

24 | ACTIVITIES AND OCCURENCES DURING WORLD U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS