The long awaited day has finally come as the 2020 World Athletics Under-20 Championships is set to take place on Wednesday, August 18 evening at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
On Tuesday, August 17, Athletics Kenya president, Jackson Tuwei, World athletics president Seb Coe and the event’s ambassador, David Rudisha, gave a press release officially welcoming the athletes and various stakeholders from around the world to the second largest track and field event to be held on African soil.
“We presented our bid to world athletics in 2018, and I want to thank the world athletics under the leadership of president Seb Coe for accepting our bid and giving us the hosting rights. We are very grateful,” stated Tuwei.
Seb Coe gave his remarks thanking the Ministry of sports Kenya and particularly the president of Kenya.
“I was delighted to be in Mombasa a few days ago in Mombasa together with the president and other athletes. I held a private conversation with Uhuru, and what really touched my heart is his love for the athletes and his determination to ensure they continue to prosper on the global scene,” he stated.
Two-time World Champion and 800m world record holder, David Rudisha, advised the junior athletes who are yet to transition to be senior athletes to continue being passionate and enjoying what they do and that they should take this opportunity to gauge their skills against other athletes to see what current level they are at.
The event which will not have spectators due to the Covid-19 pandemic will be presided over by the First Lady, Margaret Kenyatta, in the company of Seb Coe among other guests.
On the podium, there will be the Nairobi Governor, Anne Kananu, followed by the World Athletics Under-20 Organising Committee chairman, Jack Tuwei and Coe.
The Kenyan artist Nyashinski, and the Redfourth choir are expected to grace the event.
Also, in attendance will be the legendary athlete Kipchoge Keino.
The event is expected to end in a climax as the Police Band will close with the national anthem and a display of fireworks.