COUNTY GEARS UP TO ESTABLISH A SPORTS ACADEMY
The County Government of Nandi in collaboration with the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) intends to set up a county sports academy to nurture talents among residents. This aligns with Governor Stephen Sang’s manifesto on developing and growing sporting talent across the county.
The plan was revealed by the Kenya Academy of Sports Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Doreen Odhiambo during a fact-finding mission in the county, visiting a number of proposed sites.
Kenya Academy of Sports Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Doreen Odhiambo.
Speaking in Nandi Hills after inspecting an existing sports facility at the Nandi Tea Estate, Dr Odhiambo said the sports academy would enable the county to produce professional sportsmen and women who would be able to join the local and international clubs to earn a living.
The sports and talent academy is aimed at helping youth explore their potentials for economic gain.
While receiving the team, the Deputy County Secretary Dr Lydia Kosgei thanked the Kenya Academy of Sports for the partnership with the Source of Champions saying Governor Sang’s administration is committed to nurturing and developing talents by availing platforms to showcase and invest in sports infrastructure.
Deputy County Secretary Dr Lydia Kosgei in Consultation with Sports Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Dr. Doreen Odhiambo and Anastacia Cheruiyot of Kenya Academy for Sports.
The Chief Officer for Sports Beatrice Jemurgor welcomed the move and said that the county government has prioritized sports development and sports facilities are up coming to engage and develop talent especially amongst the youth to reap the attendant benefits.
“We welcome the opportunity to work closely with the Kenya Academy of Sports on the establishment of the academy and will be equally committed now alongside our partners to helping to bring its ambitions to life,” said the Chief Officer.
Chief Officer Social Welfare,Sports, Youth Affairs, Culture and Arts Beatrice Jemurgor.
She urged Nandi residents, particularly talented youths, to take athletics and sports in general as a way of earning decent livelihoods.
On his part, the Nandi Tea Estates General Manager Abdi Hussein said that the company will partner with the county in realizing inclusive grassroots development and nurturing of sports talents to promote sports as an income earner for the young people in the country.
Nandi Tea Estates General Manager Mr. Abdi Hussein in Consultation with the Team from County and Kenya Sports Academy.
The team also visited the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex.
Governor Sang’s administration is keen on harnessing and nurturing sporting talents among the residents of Nandi.
Also present were Solomon Mutai, Chairman Athletics Kenya North Rift Region, Senior Principal: Research – Kenya Academy of Sport Anastacia Cheruiyot and the County Sports Director Daniel Rutto.