Omanyala wants laws on development of sporting facilities enacted
Kenya’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala has asked Parliament to enact legislation that will spur the establishment of sporting facilities across the country.
The sprinter noted that much talented youth in the country lacked proper facilities to train and hone their talents, making them remain untapped.
Omanyala said that even where such facilities are available, the youth are required to pay a fee to access them yet a majority of them have no source of income.
“Talented youth are looking at us as their sports champions to mentor them to realise their potential,” he said.
“They want to join us in the stadiums as we practice or when we are competing for championships yet some can’t afford the entrance charges at the gate,” he added.
Omanyala was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi.
He said that well-managed sports can be a source of income to the growing population of unemployed youth in Kenya.
While congratulating Omanyala for his exceptional performance in the short races, Muturi noted that he had anchored himself as a role model among Kenyan youth.
“You are an inspiration to the young people and the entire sports fraternity. You have put Kenya on the global map as a sprinter since our country is widely recognised for winning the long races,” Muturi said.
The Speaker said that Omanyala’s success in short races now puts the country’s athletics on a new trajectory.
Muturi assured Omanyala that indeed Parliament will continue to support the growth of the sports sector in the country through all the relevant committees.
The Speaker encouraged Omanyala to always file petitions to the Sports Committee through the National Assembly’s clerk.
In areas that are not adequately addressed to enable Parliament to continually intervene and make relevant legislation.
