Lack of training facilities has been identified as one of the biggest challenges affecting the development of athletics in the Nyanza South region,
Athletics Kenya (AK) Nyanza South chairman, Peter Angwenyi said Nyamira County lacks a stadium with a standard running track while the construction of Gusii Stadium appears to have stalled.
Angwenyi challenged the county governments of Nyamira and Kisii to hasten the completion of Gusii and Manga Stadiums. He also called for the establishment of more recreational centres, adding that Migori equally lacks a proper track.
At the moment, the national government has advertised tenders for the construction of Esanige Stadium in Nyamira North sub-county.
“Lack of training facilities for our athletes especially stadia is one of the challenges we are facing. The other challenge is lack of sponsorship to supplement AK efforts,” said Angwenyi.
Angwenyi spoke during the Nyanza South Annual General Meeting held at St Vincent Pastoral Centre in Kisii town. The meeting was attended by AK national public relations officer Evans Bosire, 1972 Olympic 4x400m gold medalist Charles Asati, regional athletes representative Thomas Osano and regional treasurer David Ogechi among other officials.
He said a lack of enough trained coaches and technical officials is also posing a major threat to the development of the sport. He, however, said the region has been organising coaches' workshops in a bid to boost the numbers.
Angwenyi said a few of their coaches had benefitted from the World Under-20 training and they are doing well.
The Nyanza boss said they have also established a youth sub-committee which will be headed by former Mogonga PAG High School principal Haron Onchong’a. He will be assisted by coaches from various camps.
“During the World Under 20 Championships in Nairobi last year, five athletes from the region represented the country,” noted Angwenyi.
He challenged AK branches to partner with respective county governments to develop athletics from the ward level.
He also called for concerted efforts to combat doping. “It is our duty and moral obligation to come out strongly to fight doping menace and drug and substance abuse in our society. This will save our youth and athletics,” he said.
Angwenyi at the same time hailed AK national office for their continued contribution towards the success of athletics despite the Covid-19 pandemic.