The Elite youth camp has played host to a total of 21 disciplines with athletes across the country. Various teams in the camp have used the two-week program at Kenyatta University, Ruiru Campus to prepare for upcoming continental events.
Cycling has particularly used this time to ensure the team is upbeat for the African mountain bike Continental Championships to be held in Windhoek, Namibia on the 22nd and 23rd of April 2022.
Three young cyclists Grace Kabiru, Margaret Mune and Meghan Ambasa are set to represent Kenya at the senior’s event. Speaking after her training session Grace Kabiru who is the top female junior cyclist in both mountain bike and road races shared her expectations heading to the African championships as junior in the elite category.
“Training has been great. I am expecting good results because I have trained a lot and learned tactics that were new to me. These tactics will help me represent my country well in Namibia.
U.C.I certified cycling coach Jackline Wairimu who has been with the junior team through the program reiterated the aspect of not putting pressure on the young athletes to win medals but rather urged the young ones to go out there and have fun as they do what they know how to do best. Jackline also lauded NOC-K for organizing the camp.
“We thank NOC-K for making this camp possible for both coaches and athletes, it has been a learning experience for us. We are hoping for the best since the training has been good, I believe everyone has done their part and we are not putting pressure for them to win medals. We believe they will do the best while representing Kenya in Windhoek.
Speaking about her preparations for the continental event young cyclist Meghan Ambasa shared how the camp has played a big role in helping her align training sessions for the championships. Cross-training has been a major contributor to unlocking some aspects of her training.
“As young cyclists we are very privileged to be here and get exposed to other sports. We have sometimes gone for training with other teams and I have learned a lot especially on things like doing warm ups and stretches which I initially did not do. Through them I have improved a great deal.” Said Meghan
“Today evening will have Chiromo Hospital Group share a presentation on mental health awareness. The hospital group recently launched a campaign dubbed “Tufunguke Wanaspoti” and the session will be a platform to push the partnership with NOC-K further.