All systems go with the ISF World Schools Cross Country Championship at Ngong Racecourse just two days away.
In a media briefing at Ngong Race Course, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) officials assured that preparations were complete for the one-day event.
LOC chairman, Hassan Duale, said everything is in place to ensure the country hosts a world-class event.
“We have pulled out all the stops to ensure that Kenya pulls off a great championship and I believe the visiting teams will enjoy their stay here, not only in the competition but also sample the best of what we have to offer in culture,” Duale said at a press conference.
“I thank the government of Kenya and ISF for ensuring that we host this great competition that will give rise to the next generation of stars,” he added.
ISF Event Director, Uros Savic, also lauded the country for working round the clock to welcome the world to Nairobi.
“Kenya is an athletics powerhouse and this event only underscores that point. Apart from the event, I am glad we will also visit the Nairobi National Park,” the official said.
A total of 419 participants from 22 countries have registered for the one-day event. The countries that have thus far sent their representatives include hosts Kenya, Chile, Uganda, Qatar, China, England, Ireland, Morocco, Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Namibia, Mexico, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Nigeria, Croatia, Turkey, Luxembourg and Uganda. ISF President Laurent Petrynka jetted into the country on Tuesday night.
Medals will be up for grabs across three categories of competition including Under 12, Under 15, and 18 (boys and girls).
Those under 12 years will run an average of 1.2km and 2.5km as well while those under the age of 18 will run a maximum of 5.5km.
The race for the girls will cover slightly less distance compared to the boys. Hosts Kenya boasts the largest contingent of athletes (60), followed by East African neighbours Uganda (41) and Tanzania who have 29 athletes. The 24th edition of the championships is being held in Africa for the second time after Marrakech, Morocco in 2000.
Others present at the event were Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) chairman, Kipchumba Maiyo, Director of Field Co-ordination and Co-curricular activities, Ministry of Education, Nelson Sifuna, Athletics Kenya Director of Youth affairs, Barnaba Korir, ISF Ambassador, Liz McColgan.
