Kenya to host ISF World School Cross Country in May
ISF president Laurent Petrynka (second left) after signing MoU with the KSSSA chairman Kipchumba Maiyo (right) on Tuesday, November 28 at Jogoo House. Education CS Ezekiel Machogu (second right) and Athletics Kenya (AK) boss Jackson Tuwei (left) were also present. Photo by Ministry of Education.
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The MoU was signed by the chairman of Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Kipchumba Maiyo and the president of ISF Laurent Petrynka at the Ministry of Education headquarters at Jogoo House.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, who witnessed the ceremony alongside the Principal Secretary for Basic Education Dr. Belio Kipsang, hailed the decision by ISF to grant Kenya the hosting rights of the global event that will see learners aged between 12 and 18 from over 134 countries take part in the championship to be held at the Ngong Race Course.
Machogu promised that his ministry in collaboration with other partners will pull out all the stops to deliver a top class championship.
“I assure ISF and KSSSA that the government will ensure this championship is held successfully. We operate under the one-government approach mantra and we will reach out to the concerned partners like the Ministry of Sports in order to host a wonderful event next year in May,” said Machogu.
He added that Kenya’s education reform had anchored sports in the curriculum providing options for talented young people to nurture it to their fullest possible extent and make a career out of it.
The world school sports governing body boss expressed his satisfaction after the government pledged support adding that Kenya hosting the event will cement her athletics’ rich history.
“I’m happy with the way the government of Kenya is committed to ensure this event will be held successfully. We’ve signed all the agreements and I can confirm ISF is satisfied after the government’s support and commitment towards this event,” said Petrynka.
Last year’s 25th edition was held in Slovakia.
Besides sporting activities, the organisers are planning to spice up the championship with cultural activities to give delegations opportunities to exchange and learn about each of the participants and their countries.
Others who attended the occasion included Athletics Kenya boss Lt (Rtd) General Jackson Tuwei, Director of Field Coordination and Co-Curricular Activities Hassan Duale, the presidents of Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Associations (FEASSSA); Justus Mugisha of Uganda, Rwanda’s Luke Karemangingo and Dennis Otieno of Tanzania.
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