Over 500 junior sprinters are expected to face off at the second edition of the Kakamega Sprints and Field Talent Search at the Sigalagala National Polytechnic on Saturday.
Organisers led by Patron Dr Fabian Makani said the event is set to attract mostly school-going pupils and students as the region seeks to venture into sprints and field events ahead of world major events.
Makani said they want to produce another Ferdinand Omanyala from the region. “We aim to produce another Omanyala in future. This region has the best sprinters but no one has dared to tap, grow and nurture the talent. In western region as a whole, we have the best sprinters,” said Makani.
The youngsters aged between 12-18 years will compete in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and relays (both boys and girls).
“If we want to have future champions, we have to start now. This is why I decided to organise this event to secure the young ones future in athletics," he said.
With the World Under-20 coming up in September in Lima, Peru, the championships will be key in identifying talents that will fly the country's flag high.
“We want to ensure Kenya is well represented in all areas and for us to meet this threshold, we must start now. The region has had good sprinters and we have to continue with the legacy,” he said.
