Page 211 - World Under 18 Championships

IAAF W ORLD U18 REPORT

Successes When the Athletics Kenya (AK) President visited
the athletes at Safari Park Hotel the mood was cordial
On July 11 2017, the athletes started arriving from but they requested the national body to consider
various parts of the country. However, nine pioneers either co-opting them in regional affi liates bodies
were fl own in because of advanced age and health and be given a platform to seek elective posts so that
status. Some opted to travel overnight on July 10, they could serve the sport even better.
2017 fearing the air tickets which were released that The other challenge was distribution of shoes
same night might spoil their chances of coming to where some seniors pleaded for their spouses.
Nairobi. Everybody was given shoes. On Sunday the invited
It was a big surprise to most of these athletes who athletes were given a token of appreciation and re-
used their own monies. funded their bus fare back home.
KYEB

Their base at Safari Park Hotel was a beehive of
Recommendations
activity and they were very happy. e LOC surprised

them even more after kitting them with track suits
ough in the past it may not have possible to rec-
and shoes a few hours before the opening ceremony.
ognize all athletes who have brought glory to this
Besides fi ve-star accommodation, morning and
country during the IAAF WU18 Championships,
afternoon tea, lunch and dinner all provided by the
Nairobi 2017, the LOC must be commended for set-
LOC.
ting a precedence which the Government must follow
eir Sh50, 000 was a big surprise and a source
up by rewarding all medalists in athletes and other
of income to some. All of them were happy, some
disciplines who competed for this country prior to
opening bank accounts and registering with the
the introduction of cash incentive reward scheme
NHIF, which we believe is the second biggest legacy
in 2007.
for the athletes besides hosting a successful event.
The Veterans’ participation in the IAAF WU18
e committee was able to compile the fi rst and
Championships brought to the fore, the plight of
most comprehensive data base of 257 athletes with
heroes and heroines who won Gold medals at the
details of their health status, economic mainstay
KENYA YEARBO0K
highest world level – Olympics, as far back as 1968
and telephone contacts.
and got not a cent for their feat.
e parade of the athletes during the fi nal day of
It is recommended that the Government com-
competition was the biggest feel good with the IAAF
recognising most of them as Kenyans, young and old passionately rewards these heroes/heroines in ret-
EDITORIAL BOARD
saw a glimpse of the depth of athletics in Kenya for rospect. The pioneers did a lot for this country at
the last 60 years. an era where there was no prize money in amateur
sport. Actually, the Double Gold medal feat of the
Challenges late Seraphino Antao in 1962 Commonwealth Games
was the perfect gift for Kenya before independence.
When word spread around that medalists were being Please refer to recently enacted Government Policy
recognised, various bodies sprung up saying they on remuneration (Cash Prize Scheme) of national
represented the interests of the athletes and with 24 sportsmen for success in all categories (*Document
hours more athletes, who were not legible going by is in Appendix of this chapter of the report).
the invitation criteria, started streaming in Safari e Government should also look into the health
Park. However, Mr Kariuki and the statisticians po- status of these old men and women by incorporating
litely and fi rmly explained to the aff ected athletes them in old age monthly stipend group.
that only three categories had been invited. This wonderful array of Kenya’s all-time best
None was turned away and some were even hosted athletes were week-long visitors at the IAAF WU18
at the IAAF Family Hotel and the Windsor Hotel and Championships, Nairobi 2017
Golf Resort.

ACTIVITIES AND OCCURENCES DURING WORLD U18 CHAMPIONSHIPS | 211