Benjamin Shikuku, Solomon Kiprono and Eusila Cheptoo were the winners of the Uasin Gishu County Primary and Junior Secondary Schools sports Association held at the University of Eldoret.
After winning in their various cross country races, the quartet will be joining other top junior athletes at next week’s International Schools Federation (ISF) World Cross country for schools national trials in Nakuru.
Coming from Chepkemel Primary school, Shikuku emerged victorious in the 2km under 12 to earn the slot for the trials, hoping to achieve a lot in athletics.
“I want to try my best to earn a slot in Kenya team,” said Shikuku who looks upon former world marathon record holder and double Olympic Games marathon champion Eluid Kipchoge as his role model and he would like to be like him in future.
Representing Rotuga Primary school, the Kiprono was grateful to God and also his teachers who have been nurturing him.
“Winning here was a blessing and I have hoped that I will do my best,” said Kiprono who looks up at the late Kelvin Kiptum, who was his role model.
Also from Chepkemel primary, Cheptoo emerged the best in cross country race. She’s very happy for winning the race, according to Cheptoo practice is the prime cause of her win. She’s looking forward to participate in the World Junior Primary Athletes.
Mitito Kelvin, is a deputy head teacher at Rotuga primary school congratulated the pupils for their participation, he requested the county government of Uasin gishu to stand by those who will be selected to proceed to the next level, he believes that there’s talents in the county and therefore they should be given necessary support.
“As a School, Kelvin says that they are playing their role by making sure that pupils get to the competition ground,” he said.
Gerald Wisuha participated in 100M race and won, according to him his win is as a results of his preparation. Wisuha says that he has been practicing since last year, he’s hopping to keep doing good and get to international level and that’s his prayers to God. Wisuha said that his dream is to become a big athlete.
County Chairman Paul Tororei, said that today has been a great day to the learners and he’s looking forward for the best team by the end of today which will represent the county in the next level.
Tororei said that, primary and junior secondary are playing the same game, the difference being that junior secondary plays basketball.
Written by: Jorai Wekesa, Patrick Otieno and Baraka Simba