IAAF on Wednesday gave Kenya thumbs as the nation continues with the preparations for the July Under-18 World Championships.
This came after IAAF visited the site this week, Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium where the Championships will take place.
The IAAF delegation included representatives of ASICS an Official Partner of the IAAF World Athletics Series, IAAF’s Marketing Partner Dentsu and their service company Athletics Management & Services, and IAAF staff and contractors with responsibilities among others for accreditation, broadcasting, events, protocol, teams and ticketing.
“The magnitude of organising this five day competition, which will be the second largest athletics competition of the year only surpassed by the world championships in London, should not be underestimated,” confirmed Carlo di Angeli, IAAF Head of Events Operations who led the IAAF delegation which visited Nairobi.
“Last year’s decision to move the competition to the MOI Sports Centre in Kasarani [on Nairobi’s north eastern suburbs from the earlier intended Nyayo National Stadium near the city centre] was a good one allowing better facilities and proximity to the athletes’ accommodation at Kenyatta University. With all teams staying at the university this will create a ‘village’ concept with the added safety, comradery, convenience and comfort that brings.”
“There is a lively promotional plan for the championships [in Nairobi] to activate fans to fill the stadium [65,000 seat] and during our visit we have experienced excitement around the event at all levels which we find extremely encouraging.”
“The championships are being enthusiastically organised by the Local Organising Committee fully supported by the City of Nairobi and the Kenyan Government. We call on everyone to redouble their already impressive efforts to drive these championships across the finish line in July,” concluded Carlo De Angeli.