By John Kwoba
NAIROBI, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will host the 2020 World Under-20 Championships after the global track and field governing body voted in its favor during the IAAF Council meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
This is a major boost for the country both in terms of sports development and tourism as the event will once again place the country on the global map as one of the top athletics destinations in 2020.
It will be the third time for Kenya to host an event of global stature after the 2007 World Cross Country Championships in Mombasa and last year's World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi.
"Nairobi's candidacy was formally endorsed by the IAAF Council in Buenos Aires today," said a statement by IAAF President Sebastian Coe on Friday.
It will be a major challenge for Kenya not only to stage a successful championships, but also to defend the overall title it scooped this year at the World Under-20 Championships in Tampere, Finland edging out giants USA, Jamaica, England, China and Germany.
Kenya also staged an outstanding final edition of the IAAF World Under-18 Championships last year in Nairobi, which helped to convince IAAF Council members of its readiness to take the next step as a championship host.
"Crowds of up to 60,000 attended the World Under-18 Championships at Nairobi's Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani creating an exciting atmosphere for the young athletes who had gathered from around the globe, and those attending the 2020 event can expect the same experience," said the IAAF.
Kenya's Principal Secretary for Sports Kirimi Kaberia said that sport is a vital component in the country's development.
"Athletics is a very important part of our life. Everyone loves athletics in Kenya. You saw it during the world under 18 and you will see it again in 2020," said Kaberia.
IAAF president Sebastian Coe lauded the Kenyan government's strong support for the Nairobi bid and said it would be an ideal host for the championships.
"The Under-20 Championships showcases the future of our sport so Kenya, with a young and enthusiastic population and such a rich history in athletics, is a perfect fit for us," Coe said.
"We hope that awarding these championships will further encourage the development of athletics in Kenya and all over Africa, which is such a vibrant part of our international federation."
Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Heritage Rashid Echesa welcomed the decision that has been reached by the IAAF top brass to settle on Kenya as host of the prestigious event.
"It is indeed a great honor to be considered and selected to host the event. I assure you, Kenya will ensure that we put our best foot forward and put the necessary plans, systems and structures in place to ensure that the event runs smoothly and successfully. We welcome the world to Kenya," Echesa said.
Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei said that awarding Nairobi the hosting right was a clear endorsement and recognition of Kenya's contribution to the success of athletics globally.
"It is indeed a great honor to us all, particularly the great athletes who have significantly contributed to the development of world athletics over the years. All are welcomed back to Kenya, the home of heroes," said Tuwei.
