International Gymnastics Federation president is in town

The International Gymnastics Federation President Morinari Watanabe has stressed on the significance of the sport to the Kenyan population.

Monari who jetted in on Sunday is on a mission to advance the development of the sport in the country.

Monari, who met the National Olympic Committee of Kenya's Executive Board on Monday, explained the importance of promoting one of the top global Olympic sports in the country.

“Back home in Japan, 65% of the population is made up of either the old, or children. Unlike African countries and especially Kenya where the youth make up 75% of the population. At that age in Japan, most people are not interested in technology, thus gymnastics is such a popular sport. Imagine how much more it can do here in Kenya with full support?” he posed.

Watanabe, who is an International Olympic Committee board member, served as an executive board member of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and a member of the Council of the Association of the Summer Olympic International Federations. (ASOIF), has been a great champion of achieving mutual prosperity urging wealthier National Federations to support those with fewer economic resources.

During the meeting several deliberations were set to be achieved with the NOC-K Executive board concurring that the National Federation will be supported in setting structures for grassroots mobilization of gymnasts.

NOC-K President Paul Tergat who sits in the IOC with Watanabe thanked him for his visit and considering Kenya as a pilot for gymnastics development in Africa.

“Team Kenya is famously known for its performance and love for sports, having gymnastics introduced to the youths, will go a long way in ensuring our dominance in exemplary performance stays at the top. We are always excited to welcome new members to Team Kenya and the team will work towards ensuring the ball starts rolling,” he remarked.

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Secretary General Francis Mutuku emphasized on the technical support that will be needed towards the federation owing to its uniqueness.

“Our focus is the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. From the proposal by the IF President, we can confidently say that we will be able to have Team Kenya participating in these games. Our three pillars of transformation, impact and legacy can truly be achieved through such partnerships and support," he said.

NOC-K Executive Members present were President Paul Tergat, 2nd Deputy President Waithaka Kioni, Secretary General Francis Mutuku, Deputy Treasurer John Ogolla , Athlete Representative Humphrey Kayange and member, Winnie Kamau.