Over 500 junior sprinters are expected to face off at the second edition of the Kakamega Sprints and Field Talent Search at the Sigalagala National Polytechnic on Saturday March 30th.
Organiers led by Patron Dr Fabian Makani said that the event, dubbed Kakamega Relays is set to attract mostly school going pupils and students as the region seeks to venture into sprints and field events ahead of world major events.
Makani said that they want to produce another Ferdinand Omanyala from the region well known for sprinters that remains untapped.
“Our aim is to produce another Omanyala in future. This region has the best sprinters but no one has dared to tap, grow and nurture the talent. Kakamega and western region as a whole, we have the best that is why we want to ensure that we get the best out of us,” said Makani.
The youngsters aged between 12-18 years will be competing in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and relays in both boys and girls.
“If we want to have future champions, we have to start now and due to the situation, I decided to ensure that we get the best from the juniors. Kenya has the best athletes in all areas of competition,” he said.
With World under 20 coming up in September in Lima, Peru, the championships will be key in identifying the talents that can run for the country.
“We want to ensure that Kenya is represented in all areas and for the country to meet all these, we have to start now. The region has had good sprinters and we have to continue with the legacy,” he said.