NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 21 – World 800m record holder David Rudisha says Kenya should diversify into more sports disciplines to provide many of the country’s youths with opportunities to maximise their talents.
Rudisha said Kenya is a hotbed of sporting talents that are just craving for the opportunities to showcase themselves on an international platform.
“You know…playing any sport is meant to be fun. When you see another sportsperson performing well or even scoring goal, it is always a wonderful feeling. All sports disciplines are equal; if we could have more inventive and diverse sports in the country, we could have many of youths finding the opportunities to realise their potential and guard against idleness,” the two-time Olympic 800m champion said.
Rudisha was part of a group of sportspersons who participated in the First All-Star Gaelic matches on Sunday at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
The matches, consisting of football, camogie and hurling, are part of an initiative by Self Help Africa (an Irish NGO) and Warriors for Humanity to raise funds towards the planting of one million trees to fight climate change in Africa.
Reflecting on his experience of playing in a totally different discipline, the double World champion described it as an eye opener and exhilarating.
“We have been here today, playing gaelic football, which is a unique game from Ireland. I am also made to understand that there is also Australian football, which has it owns rules and regulation compared to the normal game. It is a unique experience although you can still kick or hold the ball with your hands,” he said.
Speaking at the same time, Self Help Africa regional manager Mirriam Cherogony lauded the initiative, noting that sports has a huge potential in combating climate change and other environmental issues affecting the country.
“In Ireland, sports is a very big thing as is the same case with Kenya. When we were thinking of this the rationale was that we could create linkages with environmental issues using the power of sports. We are working with rugby as well; as you can see we are using their space. As they go to Elgeyo Marakwet, we will also have a run with some of the athletes over there,” Cherogony said.
The initiative, which has so far raised approximately Ksh 62 million (500,000 euros), seeks to restore degraded lands in Baringo county as well as a carbon credit initiative in Elgeyo Marakwet through the planting of trees.
Also present at the day-long function was the Irish ambassador to Kenya, Fionnuala Quinlan.
