Support for Athletics should start from Schools

Recently, I attended a high school event in the US and came off it thoroughly impressed by the creativity and team spirit displayed by the teams that participated. Without a doubt, nothing compares to the purity of high school athletics, so fierce, emotional and genuine. Young athletes bring to sports what the best of sports brings to the world. When teams possess a strong sense of morale, pride and spirit they are able to multiply their energy, achievement, efficiency and productivity. In essence, every teammate counts.

Of course, our schools athletics here in Kenya do not possess the same team spirit ideals, but they more than make up for it by their sheer enthusiasm and the production of near world-class performances. Although the young athletes themselves possess the aura of success, there is not the fan base or community support that is the often a key ingredient in achieving success. Other sports as football, rugby volleyball etc, have vibrant fan bases and athletics fans can learn a few tips from these sports. It is at the high school level where the youth learn the values and ideals of team spirit that will spill over on to their college and professional lives.

In Kenya, athletics is not an individual sport. It has always been part of a collective drive. This team spirit, reflected in the excellent results of the cross-country teams in World Championships, is the consequence of what is taught in the training camps. The team spirit that motivates the nation’s athletes in the 3000 meter steeplechase, for instance, is a cultural exception. The excellent results of the steeplechase runners over the years prove that this distinctive characteristic wins medals. However, this tradition has not developed by chance; it is based on selfless personalities of the athletes and the great camaraderie between Kenyan athletes.

However, broadly speaking, the national athletics teams have nowhere near the team spirit or fan support that Harambee Stars or the Rugby Sevens teams have here at home. There are hardly any fans watching our heroes when the national championships or trials are on nowadays. There are high expectations of any Kenyan running team competing in any major championships, yet most fans do not show their support until they win. By comparison, the Ethiopians are extremely passionate about their athletes. Go to any big race in Europe where their athletes are competing and you will find a big group of Ethiopians, clad in their bright national colors, following and excitedly supporting their athletes.

It makes a big difference to the athlete competing to know that their own are visibly supporting them.

Sports is exciting in itself but the innovativeness, imagination, and enterprise those countries expressing team spirit has shown is to be acknowledged. The internet has added many new dimensions to sporting events. It has changed the way people view sports and now even a fan staying many oceans away can have a say and be heard by millions across the world.

Therefore, I urge more people to go out, support athletics, and be proud of our world-beaters.  Show you are an avid supporter by wearing and using Kenya merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, flags etc. Create local fan clubs for your favorite athletes to cheer for them and show that you care.