TESO NORTH: Athletics Kenya (AK) has been encouraged to set up a sports camp in Teso North to develop local talent, as highlighted during the Teso North Cross Country event. The call was made by Martin Kabaka, the Busia Athletics Kenya Chairperson, who emphasized the region’s favorable climate for long-distance running and its history of producing notable athletes.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kabaka pointed out that Teso North has a climate conducive to long-distance races, which makes it an ideal location for a training camp. “This region supports the long-distance races; therefore, there is a need for AK to set up a training camp for talent development,” Kabaka stated. He further mentioned that Teso North has been a cradle for athletes who have excelled on both national and international stages, citing the example of Dan Amke, a renowned sprinter from the 1980s.
The event also served as a pre-trial for the upcoming Great Chepsaita Cross-country scheduled for December, revealing significant potential a
mong the participants. Charlese Cheseto, the Teso North Cross-country Patron, expressed satisfaction with the level of competition, noting that several athletes met the qualifying times. Cheseto announced that 10 athletes from each category at the event would represent the county at the Great Chepsaita Cross-country and would receive training from elite coaches in preparation for international competitions.
The gathering also addressed broader issues in sports management within the region. Joshua Ipara criticized the County Government of Busia for inefficiencies in the Ministry of Sports, urging reforms to better support emerging athletes at the grassroots level.
Highlighting individual achievements, 16-year-old Bernard Emokol, an orphan and student at ACK Koresait Secondary School, won the under-20 category. Emokol shared his aspirations to be recognized by top athletes and receive support to pursue his athletic dreams. The girls’ under-20 category saw Ruth Ajaka, Felistus Omeriani, and Janet Anyaa securin
g the top positions.