The National Olympic Committee of Kenya has concluded an Elite Youth Development Program of athletes ages 12-18 years that attracted about 220 youths from about 10 disciplines including cycling, athletics, triathlon, rugby, table tennis etc. However, swimming which featured in the previous camps was left out following wrangles rocking the popular sport.
The NOCK camp was geared towards preparations for the various Youth Games scheduled for 2023.
The training is a multi-commissioned program with the Elite Development program, working closely with Youth Commission, NOC-K Institute and Medical Commission.
Speaking during the training, Elite Development Commission Member David Weru stated that the camp was tailored specially to ensure junior athletes transit smoothly into Senior Elite athletes.
“We lose many athletes to doping, low self-esteem, drugs abuse and pressure to perform. He reiterated on the importance of applying the building blocks principle of sports training and development rather than focusing on the “train to win” mentality.
Weru further emphasized on the need to support sports at the grassroots if the country wants to realize sports excellence in elites teams. He also encouraged federations to consider organizing such camps across the country in order to be feeding the national camp effectively. Weru who is the coordinator of PIPSSA Mini Olympics will be organizing a major sporting event on Saturday 25th February, 2023 at Greensteds International School in Nakuru.
The Mini Olympics usually applies the principles and fundamental goals of main Olympics and it was becoming a popular event particularly among private and International Schools. The event comprises of swimming, football, rugby, archery, taekwondo, skating, athletics, fencing, jump roping etc. The previous event was held last term at Crawford International School where majority of youth subsequently participated in a major Youth Taekwondo Championship in Cairo, Egypt.
