The Kenya Academy of Sports 2nd Annual International Sports Conference kicked off in Nairobi this week.
The three-day conference under the theme “Investing in Sports talent Development for Sustainable Elite Performance” brings together over 300 participants from Government Ministries and agencies, county governments, sports federations, sports professional bodies, institution of higher learning and the corporate sector from around the globe.
The conference was presided over by Dr Walter Ongeti, Strategy and Governance Advisor to the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage Amb. Dr. Amina C. Mohamed.
Addressing the delegates at a Nairobi hotel, the Kenya Academy of Sports Chief Executive Officer Dr. Doreen Odhiambo said: “This conference provides an excellent platform for key stakeholders in sports to share experiences, synergize and leverage sports talent development. “
She said the sports industry in Kenya has become a new frontier for youth empowerment and livelihood creation, as has been witnessed in the increasing number of world-recognized sportsmen and women who have put the country on the world map as a sporting nation.
“It is important for stakeholders in the industry to congregate, engage, dialogue, and exchange ideas on the current trends with the aim of improvement and achieving the desired broader objectives,” she added.
Kenya Academy of Sports is mandated to develop sports talent, train sports technical and administrative personnel and conduct research thus necessitates a collaborative approach.
During the conference, the Kenya Academy of Sports Policy for Safeguarding in Sports was launched. The policy seeks to protect the welfare of children, vulnerable youths and women against abuse, harm and exploitation.
“Harassment, harm or exploitation can have significant long-term negative impacts on athlete participation and performance as well as general health and well-being particularly if the athlete has not been able to disclose their experiences and access support, “the report said in part.
