Paul Tergat addresses concern of athletes paying to access training facilities

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya president Paul Tergat has promised to address the concern of athletes having to pay to access stadiums and training equipment.

The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) president Paul Tergat has explained that discussions are underway to ensure athletes do not have to pay to access training facilities ahead of global events.

Numerous athletes including sprint sensation Monica Safania, came out to lament about having to pay to access the Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Center Kasarani.

 Tergat explained that they will be keen to find a way around the issue, especially at this moment when athletes are gearing up for the Olympic Games in Paris, France among other international events.

“I understand the frustrations that you (athletes) are going through about the stadiums. I think maybe at the moment, this is something going on and has been discussed.

"We will be able to pick it up with the Ministry of Sports and Athletics Kenya to make sure that athletes get access to the training facilities,” Tergat said.

He added that at the moment, times are tough due to the harsh economy and they should be lenient on the athletes.

At the moment, life is hard. I can imagine someone is looking for the fare to go to the stadium and then you are required to pay.

"I am shocked that people actually pay Ksh200 to access the facilities. Especially if you are not working and you are forced to dig deep into your pockets…that is unacceptable."Such things are painful…when I hear that athletes can’t access the resources that need to be utilised. We are picking this issue up,” Tergat said.

posted Sunday December 3rd