AK get World Tour tips from Belgian experts
Charles Thuku and Peter Sagini
A team of experts from Belgium has listed setting high pace by local athletes as a top priority in the inaugural World Continental Tour which Kenya will host on May 2.
Owen Malone, Diamond League technical director in Belgian capital Brussels, said pace was paramount given that the Tour, which Kenya will use as a dress rehearsal for the World Under-20 Championships in July.
“Local runners need to be fast enough to convince the world that they can compete effectively with the best,’’ said Malone.
He was accompanied by his colleague Cedric Van Branteghem and Athletics Kenya (AK) officials led by president Jack Tuwei.
During the first briefing on expertise, Malone stressed the need of the local governing body having high quality television production because the Tour will be viewed globally by millions.
He pointed out that given the country will have a unique chance to savour the hosting of the biggest events in the world, an overwhelming crowd attendance is prudent.
“Kasarani has a sitting capacity of 60,000 fans and we would like to see the facility being filled to the rafters,’’ said Cedrick, who is on his second visit to the country.
He said considering that Kenya hosted a successful World Under-18 Championships two years ago, it was also in a vantage position to host a classic major event that will test its preparedness to invite the globe in another junior competition in July.
Tuwei said AK has received assurances from Sports Kenya that renovation of Kasarani Stadium will begin by the end of this week and that the National Youth Service (NYS) will be deployed to assist in making the facility in tip-top shape.
AK Youth and Development director Barnaba Korir said the actual budget for the Tour will be made public in due course for the one-day event which will encompass core and national, among other events.
He said AK is not taking chance in the hosting of the Tour considering it will determine the country’s chances of hosting a Diamond League and a World Championships in three to five years to come.
“If the event is successful, it will be a big opportunity to host a bigger event which will in turn help to market our athletes outside the country,’’ said Korir.
The continental tour is an annual series of elite track and field competitions recognised by World Athletics.
