Sports

AK to honour legends as it marks 70 years

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 00:00 | By
Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei and his deputy Paul Mutwii at Riadha House yesterday.

Athletics Kenya (AK) will today mark its 70 years anniversary in a ceremony to be graced by Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed.

The federation will use the occasion to  be held at the Nyayo National Stadium to celebrate pioneer athletes, both dead and  alive.

AK president Jack Tuwei says the federation has a lot of activities lined up during the celebrations.

The federation was established in 1950 initially as the Kenya Amateur Athletics Association (KAAA) before it rebranded to its current name in 2002.

“We have prepared a special documentary that will be aired to showcase how far we have come; the humble beginnings of our trailblazers.

Our legends have shared their unique stories, stories we hope will motivate the current and future crop of athletes,”  Tuwei told the press at Riadha House yesterday.

Besides the documentary, AK has also prepared a booklet detailing all their success that will be distributed around the country.

  The event will culminate with cake cutting to commemorate the moment as well as unveiling of a new name and logo for the second time since the inception of the federation in 1950.

“Kenya is a  powerhouse in athletics, not only in the region but across the globe and the federation has equally a rich history that stems from the founding athletes to the current crop of runners, “ added Tuwei

He said 100 athletes have been invited for the event. “It will be great to have our special guests with us.

The pioneers of the sport in the country, majority are from the 1950s to 1979. The organising committee has ensured there will be  representatives of those who are now deceased at the ceremony,” he added.

Speaking highly of previous administrators like Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri who ensured a fence was erected around Nyayo Stadium to the late Isaiah Kiplagat who oversaw the construction  Riadha House, Tuwei said promised to diligently guard that legacy.

“We have this history we had because of those before us. Now we have an obligation to ensure we continue to exist.

That is really the biggest objective going forward. This can be done by combating the menace of doping that is threatening the sport.” 

Setting up of a welfare committee that will continue to support the legends and their families as well as medical covers, expansion of the federation, improving communication and marketing as well as better documentation and capturing of data especially for the juniors are the other areas Tuwei is keen on.

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