Approximately 200 athletes will be battling out for national world under 20 trials at the Athletics Kenya (AK) Western Region pre-trials for the World Under-20 Championships at the Mumias Sports Complex on Saturday.
Western, which holds four counties of Bungoma, Kakamega, Vihiga and Busia will conduct its pre-trials after Nairobi on Wednesday, Southern in Machakos, Central Rift in Kapsabet, South Rift in Kericho and Nyanza South on Thursday.
Representing Bungoma, Sheila Chepkosgei will be hoping to earn a slot in 800m and compatriot Felix Kibet will chase the 5000m title.
Busia’s Mary Sofia Simiyu will lead the sprints in both 100m and 200m while Kakamega’s Mike Kiplang’at will chase the 3000m slot.
Top athletes will earn the slots for national trials ahead of World Under 20 Athletics championships set for August 17 to 22 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Region’s chairman Patrick Kipsang said the 200 athletes will be chasing their slots in one of the most competitive meetings in the region among the junior athletes.
“So many athletes have shown interest to compete at the pre-trials in the four counties. With such interests, they hype the competition and we shall get the best team for national trials,” said Kipsang.
He added that coaches, teachers and managers, who play the critical part in nurturing the talents of these athletes have been sharpening their skills for the event.
“As a region, we have given caregivers good time to prepare their teams for the championships and coming this Saturday, their skills will be out there for everybody to witness,” added Kipsang.
He advised that athletes willing to compete at the meeting should go to the venue early enough to register and finish the event on time.
“Now the weather is so hot and we want to finish the championships on time to avoid too much dehydration among our junior athletes who are our pride,” concluded Kipsang.