Counties to promote sports

By Clinton Oballa

Counties have been asked to value sportsmanship in their areas to promote the national talent.

While addressing players and locals of Suna East constituency during the constituency tournament donated by a businessman Patrick Odipo, Kenya commissioner of sports Gordon Oluoch said counties should be in the forefront of completing all the projects left by his commission before devolution.

The commissioner also requested the leaders to support youths in promoting all the sports sector and help nature the talents in all the regions.

“Migori County is full of sports talent and we should work together with all leaders in coming up with competition and tournaments such that we can easily get the talent around here and any other part of the country.

Mr Oluoch also assured of the completion of the Kenya National Sports Academy that will be used in nurturing talents all over the country and advised the youths to work hard and join the academy anytime they will be called upon.

“We are soon completing the National academy, this will just be one of the many as we are aware counties should have their academies too, all players in the national team shall come from the national academy and we look to see Migori youths represented”. He added.

Migori county first lady Hellen Obado who was the chief guest of the event appreciated the efforts done by the cup donor and the county government especially the sports events.

“We have seen the county government arranging tournaments and other competition for the youths and we are happy to see other leaders joining hands in helping the youths,” she said.

Mrs Obado also advised the youths to take their talents serious citing that it is not only a source of entertainment but it has turned to be a profession for many.

“Football has revolved from what it used to be, it is now a profession where many earn from, we want to have more Oliech’s in Migori County and we believe we can achieve our goals if we are together”. She added.

Most of the teams in the constituency attended the event and the cup donor Patrick Odipo promised to give more of the same to give youths room to show their talents.

“This is the beginning of such events and we will do them many times to improve the sports in our constituency, county and country Kenya and hence a sports nation,” Odipo said.

Ngege FC from Central ward, won the tournament after edging out Kwa from Kwa ward 5-4 on penalty shout outs and were awarded a trophy, Jersey and Sh5,000