Korir wants more support for youth camps after Oregon success

Athletics Kenya Youth Development Chairman, Barnaba Korir, has called for increased support for school holiday athletics camps aimed at nurturing the country’s next generation of stars.

Korir, who is also the First Deputy President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, says Athletics Kenya plans to expand and strengthen youth talent development camps across the country as part of a long-term strategy to prepare young athletes for major international competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games.

He says the camps will give promising athletes an opportunity to sharpen their skills, gain competitive experience and benefit from guidance from experienced coaches.

Korir also revealed that Athletics Kenya has identified several promising athletes who competed at the recently concluded 2026 World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with some expected to represent Kenya at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, scheduled for October 31 to November 13.

He says Kenya’s strong showing in Oregon is evidence that investment in grassroots talent development is beginning to yield results.

“Seeing these young athletes compete here in the USA inspires us as the federation to know that for the first time we can see the results of the work that we have done in nurturing talent with the focus of upcoming World Championships and Olympics. The future is bright based on the performance we have had here in Oregon,” said Korir.

Kenya finished second overall on the medal table and top in Africa at the championships, winning 11 medals — 4 gold, 3 silver and 4 bronze.

The USA claimed the top spot with 21 medals – 12 gold, 7 silver and 2 bronze.

Korir says sustained investment in youth programmes will be critical to maintaining Kenya’s position among the world’s leading athletics nations and ensuring the country continues producing world-class athletes.