Two Kenyan athletes ahead, during the IAAF World U-18 Championships finals at the Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi, July 16, 2017. [Photo: PSCU]
Resident Uhuru Kenyatta has congratulated Kenya Under-18 team that took part in the just-concluded IAAF World U-18 Championships. This ids after they won an overall tally of 15 medals; four gold, seven silver and four bronze.George Manangoi (1500m), Jackline Wambui (800m), Caren Chebet (2000m), and Leonard Bett (2000m steeplechase) won gold medals. Cleophas Kandie Meyan (2000M Steeplechase), Edward Zakayo (3000M), Mary Moraa (400 M), Lydia Jeruto (800 M), Moitalel Mpoke (400m hurdles), Emmaculate Chepkirui (3000 M), and Mercy Chepkurui (2000 M Steeplechase) won silver medals, while Stanley Mburu Waithaka (3000 M), Japhet Toroitich (800 M), Edina Jebitok (1500 Metres), and Dominic Ndigiti (10000 Metres Race Walk) bagged bronze medals."These young men and women have, once again, reminded the world of our defiant spirit of hard work, dedication and resilience. In itself, the team exemplified true patriotism by flying the country’s flag with great pride and representing the nation with real distinction. More importantly, these young men and women competed, and won, cleanly; further dignifying the sport through fair competition. Thank you for making Kenya proud," Uhuru said, Sunday, after the First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta, graced the closing ceremony.
Uhuru also thanked Margaret, for being a splendid patron for the championships and the organisers of the event, "for putting up a wonderful event that brought the entire world to Nairobi and once again shone light on us as a preferred destination in the continent."He also thanked the young volunteers "who put in a lot of work and time to ensure that the event ran successfully; all the visiting teams for showing great trust in us; and most importantly, the over 180,000 fans who turned up to follow the proceedings at the stadium, and millions of others who followed the action on television. Thank you for making this the most memorable Under-18 Championship."He said the tournament reminded Kenyans that irrespective of their differences, affiliations and preferences, they were one people and one nation. "Let the unity of purpose that brought us together continue binding us during this electioneering period and beyond. I am committed to continuing to showcase our country's strength and our people's spirit to the world, to ensure that better and more prosperous days lie ahead for all Kenyans. Thank you," he said.