Ababu Namwamba's feedback on NOC-K's preparations ahead of Paris Olympics

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OLYMPICS Ababu Namwamba's feedback on NOC-K's preparations ahead of Paris Olympics

Abigael Wafula 06:30 - 26.05.2023

NOC-K officials and some members of Athletics Kenya had a strategic meeting today morning to plot the way forward.

Sports CS Ababu Namwamba has lauded the efforts of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya for their undivided attention towards ensuring the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The team, which also comprises some members of Athletics Kenya including president Jack Tuwei, was at a strategic meeting earlier today with Namwamba being the Chief Guest speaker. Also, in attendance were the NOC-K president Paul Tergat and Secretary General Francis Mutuku.

Namwamba added that only a proper plan would ensure that Kenya returns to good performance at the premier sporting event, which is less than a year ago.

"If you don't plan, then you are definitely setting yourself up for failure. Previously, we have paid dearly for not planning well, and for doing the classical Kenyan thing at the last minute.

We are definitely changing this through our Road to Paris Olympics 2024 plan," the CS added.

The CS also insisted that paying attention to detail is key and warned that nothing should be taken for granted in the planning of the global showpiece.

He urged the organising committee to prepare the athletes well, with a keen reminder of the significance of the Olympics to Kenya and the world.

"What these games have done for us in branding our nation and profiling brand Kenya to the world cannot be quantified.

The Olympics mean a lot to us as a nation as these games have risen to hold a very special profile in the world diplomatically and politically. The Olympics have been used to make bold diplomatic and political statements that have gone on to shape the history of the world,” he said.

He cited the 1976 boycott by 28 African countries that helped bring an end to the apartheid regime in South Africa.

On his part, Tergat said: “Wearing the Kenyan flag on your shoulder is an unexplainable feeling. I remember every moment like yesterday. It's a privilege. The athlete depends on us to ensure they have a smooth time to training and qualification"