Kenya kicks off countdown to World Athletics Under 20 C'ships
Aug 07, 2021
Nairobi (Kenya) Aug 7: Kenya on Friday kicked-off the countdown to the World Athletics Under 20 (U20)
Championships to be held later this month by launching medals.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta lauded the design of the medals which takes the form of 'Ngarewa' necklace drawn from
the Maasai rich cultural heritage.
Margaret said the design which denotes beauty, heritage and individuality, complements the resilience of the country's
young athletes.
"It also highlights the theme and diversity of the World Under 20 Championships," she said in a statement released
after the ceremony in Nairobi.
The First Lady encouraged the Kenyan team to utilize the home-ground advantage to shine during the championships.
"It will also allow us to cheer our athletes on as we watch them in our homes on television," said the First Lady who is
also the patron of the U20 Championships.
Margaret said the U20 Championships is one in a series of global sporting events that offers opportunities for growth
to the country's sports men and women, noting that the event which begins on Aug. 15 will showcase the talent and
potential that abounds in the youth.
"As Patron, I am proud to be part of this event which underscores the rich talent and potential that lies in our youth,"
she said at the event where she also witnessed the presentation of the Championship mascot and theme song.
Margaret welcomed athletics teams, competitors and trainers from all over the world, saying the games provide
another chance for Kenya to showcase herself as a center of sporting excellence offering world-class facilities.
Kenya successfully hosted the World U18 Championships in 2017 a move that earned the country the bid to host this
year's event despite the coronavirus pandemic that has affected the whole world.
The First Lady said competitions such as the U20 championships elevate the importance of sports, noting that games
bring people together; they bring hope since they are a symbol of what can be achieved even in the most difficult
situations.
Source: Xinhua
