T. NashipaeMonument to be erected in Iten to honor its rich athletic heritage
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 31.01.24. | 00:05
Despite its reputation, the town lacks a monument to honor its status as a cathedral of talent
The Ministry of Sports in partnership with the county government of Elgeyo Marakwet is set to erect a monument in Iten in honor of its legacy as a cradle of athletic talents.
In 2020, Iten was awarded a World Athletics Heritage Plaque for an outstanding contribution to the worldwide history and development of the sport of track and field and out-of-stadia athletics disciplines such as cross country, mountain road running, trail and ultra running, and race walking.
Some of the world beaters who come from the town include former marathon champion Joycilline Jepkosgei, women's only world marathon record holder Mary Keitany, 800m world record holder David Rudisha, former 5,000m silver medalist Sylvia Kibet, and former world cross country champion Irene Cheptai.
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Not only is it the training ground for budding young athletes, but also foreign athletes pitch camps in the area as they prepare for various global events.
Despite its reputation, the town lacks a monument to honor its status as a cathedral of talent.
However, the athletes will have all the reasons to smile after the Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba announced that he would work closely with the devolved unit to erect a monument that will install Iten as a real global heritage.
"For a long time, this town has been giving this country so much pride by giving us athletes that fly our flag so high. To honor them, we will work with Governor Wisley Rotich to elevate Iten as a sports destination for sports talents in Africa. We want to install this town as a real global heritage," he said.
The CS further noted that his ministry was rolling out a program to expand the pool of coaches to ensure the seamless nurturing of talents from the grassroots level.
"We want to train more coaches and scouts to support the ecosystem," he offered.
All these efforts, according to the sports boss were geared towards earning the country more medals in the fast-approaching Paris Olympics, especially in the steeplechase discipline where Kenya has suffered more misses than hits.
He instructed vintage athletics coach Boniface Tiren to identify all athletes who have the potential to make Team Kenya and identify camps that will serve as training grounds for the selected athletes. He assured that the ministry would finance the program and put the necessary facilities in place.
"Ensure to bring legends to train the young ones. They should be together starting February up to the Olympics. The world is also making efforts to fight back and beat Kenya. We must rise to the occasion," he urged.
During the World Championships held in Budapest in August, Team Kenya failed to reclaim the title but managed to impress by taking the second and third places.
Bahrain’s Winfred Yavi won the race as Beatrice Chepkoech and youngster Faith Cherotich finished second and third respectively.
Another Kenyan in the race was Jackline Chepkoech faded to finish ninth in 9:14.72. In the men's category, Abraham Kibiwott finished the podium in 8:11:98.
