By Brian Malila
The Rift valley region claimed the first position at the Kenya National Intercollegiate Athletic Championship that closed its doors at Kigari Teacher College on May 24.
The closing event was jubilant after the region was announced as the overall winner against other six in the competitions that attracted both men and women.
The winners danced with joy and ululations at Kigari grounds, hoisting their region’s flag high as their opponents watched in awe.
The champions had brought together about 650 athletes teachers colleges from Nyanza, Western, Nairobi, Eastern, Central, Coast and Rift valley.
It was not much surprise to many as the winning region is well known to produce great runners even to international levels.
In the category of Men, Rift Valley scored swooping 190 points, far against their closest opponent, Western region, in that category who scored 115 points, thus taking position two.
Nairobi region in the men’s category scooped number three after scoring 96 points where Eastern region and Central region came number four and three after garnering,74 and 70 points respectively.
The tracks seemed to be rough for coast region which came last with only 13 points while Nyanza region came 5th with 51 points.
In the women’s category, Central region were the last after getting only 37 points with Coast region securing the second last position with 48 points in the highly contested races.
Nyanza scored 63 points after Eastern region which took position four with 77 points.
Rift valley, Western and Nairobi came first, second and third respectively after attaining 189,102 and 94 points.
Among the races that elevated the victory of the Rift valley region was 3000 metres steeplechase.
During the closing ceremony, the Secretary General, Kenya Teachers Colleges Sports Association, Paul Maina, lauded the players for their spirited efforts that they deployed during the competitions.
He said the students were enthusiastic for the return of the games after they were suspended due to challenges brought by Covid-19.
“We are happy that the games are back again after two years,” said Maina.
The games will take place next year in the coastal region.
