Athletics Kenya is encouraged to put in place arrangements for youngsters

Athletes have urged the Kenya Athletics Association to put in place plans to motivate young athletes.

Speaking at an athletics seminar held on Friday in the Keringet area of ​​Nakuru County, the speakers spoke about the need for the Kenya Athletics Association to employ retired athletes who specialize in training and motivating youngsters.

Former $ 3000-meter steeplechase and water polo champion Richard Matelong has said that budding athletes listen to their superiors, so there is a need for the opportunity to be used to provide advice to young people on how to cope.

Hamburg marathon after the race was postponed

"We have a lot of talent in this area and we are happy the Kenyan athletics association decided to go to the grassroots to listen to the athletes with the intention of uplifting and improving the sport.

Emerging athletes should be ready to listen to their superiors and maintain discipline in their careers, ”said Matelong.

"I also thank the county government for building a gymnasium in this area," added Matelong

For his part, Benson Kiplangat, the world champion in the 5,000m hurdles, has called on the Kenya Athletics Association to provide financial or travel support to young athletes as they head to compete in the country.

Athletes received training in Keringet

"The biggest challenge for aspiring athletes is to earn money to travel and even pay for accommodation when they travel to different parts of the country to participate in competitions, if AKs provide financial support or transportation to athletes like these it would be good," said Kiplangat.

Athletes' representative Milcah Chemos, who is leading the training, said they had received a number of comments which, if considered, would go a long way in addressing the challenges facing athletes in general.

"We have done well so far and we have seen the athletes open up and talk about them and the comments made so far will help to end some of the challenges facing runners," said Chemos.

The third round of seminars for athletes will begin next Monday in Eldama Ravine Baringo County.