Cheers as sports set for return
President Uhuru Kenyatta’s “gift” to the country on Labour Day, when he directed resumption of sporting activities following consultations with the Ministry of Health, has been lauded by various stakeholders who have called it a blessing.
On Saturday, the Head of State, during his remarks at State House, called a cautionary return with the ministries of Health and Sports providing guidelines.
Sports had been suspended for more than a month to slow down the spread of coronavirus leaving thousands of athletes and various programmes in limbo especially the Tokyo Olympics preparations.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President Paul Tergat has praised President Kenyatta’s consideration, saying that it would now help the Tokyo Olympics bound teams to prepare adequately.
“We welcome the opening up of the country and more so the sports sector. Our sports people were just about to get back after the long shutdown of last year following the first wave of the pandemic.
We therefore thank the government for always thinking about our sportsmen and women.
As may be noted, this opening of the country, especially the most infected counties, doesn’t signify the end of the disease and we must continue to exercise extreme caution by strictly following the usual laid down Covid-19 management protocols.
Our sportspeople and Kenyans must remain alert and careful even as they engage in some activities.
For us, we will continue with our bubble camp environment for our Olympic teams training,” said Tergat who is also an International Olympic Committee Executive Committee member.
Football Kenya Federation boss Nick Mwendwa on his part told clubs to prepare to resume action by May 12 following the President’s directive.
Mwendwa who has been under pressure to decide the fate of the league is now happy that bit is covered and is looking ahead to football back in stadiums across the country.
He had earlier complained that the sports ban would interfere with both Harambee Stars and Harambee Starlets programmes of World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifications.
Hit Squad
“This is good news for all of us in the sporting industry and I want to confirm that Football Kenya Federation Premier League will return on May 12 in accordance with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and that of Sports,” he said.
Boxing Federation of Kenya president Anthony Ombok has now urged his members to get ready for duty.
“It is important for us to get ready since we have the Olympics and we want to see the Hit Squad get ready. We are also hoping to begin the leagues,” he said.
