In a week’s time, the sporting focus will be on the National Secondary School Games in Eldoret. The games have since time immemorial produced the ‘who is who’ in sports.
In fact, most of today's stars – Collins Injera (rugby), Michael Olunga (football), Eliud Kipchoge (athletics), Faith Kipyegon (athletics) and Angela Okutoyi (tennis) – are products of the school championships.
However, there is a problem that should be addressed urgently if we are to keep churning out top talents. There are no longer structures to ensure a smooth transition from school to club level and, eventually, the national team.
Club managers, especially football, no longer attend school games to scout for talent. Doping seems to have taken over in athletics. Schools are no longer ‘the go-to place’ for talents and the situation is worrying.
Kids no longer aspire to play for the national team since there are few role models to look up to.
It’s time the Kenya Academy of Sports got fully involved in the development of talent.
Developing talent means getting involved and coming up with sports academies where talented kids can benefit from the skills.
Quote of the Day: "When you cross the line, it is such a wonderful feeling it’s hard to describe.”
Kelly Holmes
The British athlete was born on April 19, 1970
