The Government is keen on using sports to champion for unity and national cohesion, Sports, Culture and Heritage Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ambassador Amina Mohammed has said.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Kenya Communications Sports Organization (KECOSO) Games at the Gusii stadium in Kisii County on Saturday, CS Mohammed said that sports has the potential of enhancing social cohesion.
She said the Government will continue to invest in sports and give young people a platform to showcase their talents.
The CS also said that the Government is committed on promoting clean sports.
She noted that the formation of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) will ensure discipline in the sporting sector and especially athletics.
"I would like to urge sportsmen and women to develop a culture of playing without using prohibited substances to ensure Kenya continues to produce world class sportspersons," the CS stated.
The CS lauded the organisers of KECOSO, saying the games has promoted intergovernmental relations.
"We are looking forward to working with all counties to ensure that the hosting of such events will help in upgrading of existing sports facilities," the CS said.
She noted that since inception in 1978 the games has enabled participants to appreciate the diversity of our country and cemented our interconnectedness.
The Sports Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Principal Secretary (PS) Jerome Ochieng, Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Ezekiel Mutua and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) Managing Director (MD) Naim Bilal.
Kisii County Deputy Governor Joash Maangi and local leaders were also present.
The 40th edition of KECOSO games saw 12 teams drawn from the Ministries of Transport and Infrastructure, Information Communications and Technology and that of Sports and Heritage participate.
The teams took part in various sports like football, basketball, netball, volleyball, scramble, pool table, table tennis and athletics.
Kenya Film Classification Board pool table player Francis Nguthu was awarded the KECOSO 2019 'Special Category' Best Player.
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