The CEO of the Kenya Academy of Sports, Dr. Doreen Odhiambo, has noted that the National Government, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is focused on ensuring that sporting talent is nurtured, especially among learners at a tender age.
She urged parents not to allow their children’s birth certificates to be given to older athletes for age cheating in competitions, stressing that such actions harm the integrity of sports.
Dr. Odhiambo emphasized the importance of supporting children’s sporting talents from an early age, suggesting that they should be nurtured from as young as six years old.
Her message resonated with the people of Nalondo, reigniting pride in their local sports culture and highlighting the significance of sports in children’s development.
Speaking to the residents during the handover ceremony of the construction of the Nalondo Sports Academy in Bungoma County, Dr. Odhiambo noted that the Nalondo Sports Academy, a state-of-the-art facility costing 55 million shillings, is set to be completed in 48 weeks and would serve as a cornerstone for the constituency’s sporting future.
Dr. Odhiambo handed over 4.5 hectares of land to Keen Developer Kenya Limited for construction at St. Joseph Nalondo High School.
The academy was envisioned as a place for athletes of all ages to develop, with coaching and mentorship provided to support both young and older athletes who had previously given up on their sporting dreams.
She called on the community to protect and sustain the academy once it was completed, stressing its importance for future generations.
The government pledged to support grassroots talent, providing resources and funding to ensure young athletes have opportunities to pursue their dreams without the hindrances of age manipulation.
This collective commitment from both the local community and the government gave the people of Nalondo a renewed sense of optimism and a brighter future for their sports community.
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The Nalondo Sports Academy will become a symbol of fairness, dedication, and the nurturing of talent, demonstrating that champions can emerge at any age when given the proper opportunities.
The Kenya Academy of Sports is committed to building sports academies across all 290 constituencies.
The CEO noted that this was just a flagship project, and Nalondo became the second academy to be handed over for construction, after the Asirian Academy in Busia County.
These academies will serve as talent hubs, offering structured programs in football, volleyball, basketball, hockey, athletics, and a digital ICT hub.
Mrs. Odhiambo stated that the facility will also include social halls to facilitate various community activities.
The event was also graced by the area Member of Parliament, Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga.
By Achola Bulimo Mathews.
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