Kenya has been selected to host the IAAF World U20 championships in 2020.
Nairobi candidacy to host the event was formally endorsed by the IAAF council in Buenos Aires on Friday.
While making the decision IAAF cited successful hosting of the U18 event last year.
“By hosting an outstanding final edition of the IAAF World U18 Championships last year, Nairobi demonstrated its readiness to take the next step as a championship host,” reads the IAAF official website.
Deputy President William Ruto on twitter lauded IAAF decision to choose Kenya as the host for the championships saying the event will reaffirm Kenya’s dominance in the athletic world.
Kenya is delighted to host the IAAF U20 World Athletics Championships in 2020. The event will showcase the prodigious talent of our athletes; reaffirm our dominance; shape the future of our sport and represent a huge opportunity to market the country.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 27, 2018
The world can expect an exciting atmosphere, enthusiastic crowds at venues and a pleasant stay. We welcome all to the home of champions.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 27, 2018
IAAF president Sebastian Coe noted the Kenyan Government’s strong support for the Nairobi bid and said it would be an ideal host for the championships.
“The U20 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.
50,000 people attended last year’s event making it the largest ever crowd to attend the U18 championships.
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