Open Ruring'u for athletes, AK urges

 

Athletics Kenya (AK) has asked the government to open Ruring’u Stadium in Nyeri for athletes to use in preparation for the Memorial Agnes Tirop World Athletics Cross Country Tour scheduled for February 12 in Eldoret.AK Central Region chairman David Miano told Nation Sport that training at the high altitude facility will be an added advantage for runners from Nyeri.“We are excited to see the good work that has been done at Ruring’u Stadium, and we are calling upon the government to consider opening it this month to allow athletes to train for the world cross country tour,” said Miano. ­­­­In 2017, the national government began upgrading the stadium to international standards to enable it to host regional and international competitions.Though phase one was expected to be complete by December, the contractor is still on the site doing the final touches after having completed the key areas — the athletics track, the football pitch and the drainage system.At the same time, the Nyeri County Government is in the final stage of completing the second phase of the perimeter fence round the historic stadium.Miano said that the arena will be a game changer in the region both for sports and the business community. He urged the people of Nyeri to utilise the facility fully once it is completed.“The people of this region should not only see the facility as a sports ground, but as an enabler of economic growth, particularly for the hospitality industries. The government can now bid for more international competitions and hold some in Nyeri,” he said.Miano said that if the stadium is opened for sporting activities, AK would reinstate Nyeri Track and Field National Series on its calendar in a bid to boost local and regional athletics.“This was the training ground for many institutions including the National Police College, Kiganjo, Laikipia Air Base and Kenya Prisons,” he said.Cross country legend John Ngugi, who graced the Central Cross Country Championships last weekend, called upon corporates and individuals to set up sports academies near the stadium.The five-time world cross country champion thanked the government for its commitment to deliver the facility, and urged stakeholders to work with the county government in a bid to utilise it well.“Ruring’u Stadium has pushed the status of Nyeri town to another level and the local sports department and the stakeholders should work together and ensure that the facility breeds more talents,” the veteran said.Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, who is also the AK regional secretary, asked AK to revive the national track and field meeting in the town.Kahiga said that he is rooting for national track and field trials and other major sporting events to be staged at the stadium as it meets the standards.    BY DAILY NATION