The inaugural Kip Keino Classic on Saturday 3rd will be celebrating Kenya’s trailblazing track star, Kipchoge Keino.
The spectacular Keino was the gold medalist at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games.
To put the icing on the proverbial cake, the track event will concide with the re-opening of the upgraded Nyayo National Stadium where visiting athletes are already predicting fast times owing to the nature of the track.
Despite the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, Saturday’s meet has attracted several participants , especially from host nation Kenya with the 800m, 1500m, 5000m and 3000m steeplechase competitions drawing a decent entry for both men and women.
The Kip Keino Classic will be the third World Athletics event on Kenyan soil after the 2007 World Cross Country held in Mombasa and the 2017 World Under 18 Championships at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
During the opening of the renewed Nyayo Stadium, President Uhuru Kenyatta said his government will ensure upgrade of all sporting facilities are on course.
“Our endeavour is to ensure that our sporting facilities can compare favourably with the top addresses around the world. In that regard, we are in the process of developing other sporting facilities throughout the country,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta pointed out that the Kip Keino Classic and other sporting events that will be held as the country gradually and progressively re-opens will be conducted with strict adherence to all applicable Covid-19 protocols, guidelines and regulations.
“This will ensure that sportspersons, coaches, media and spectators are kept safe and healthy,” President Kenyatta said.
He asked the Ministry of Sports to redouble its efforts in re-convening major sporting events that were postponed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
