The athletics fraternity in the South Rift region is upbeat following the recent unveiling of the refurbished Kericho Green Stadium.

Athletics stakeholders say the facility will help the sport grow in leaps and bounds in the region and commended the Kericho County administration for giving it a face-lift.

Their coaches and even the members of Athletics Kenya, South Rift branch, have all expressed their delight over the development.

Athletes such as the reigning Under-20 cross country world champion Beatrice Chebet, the 2018 Valencia 10km road race winner Sandra Chebet, this year’s national 10km cross country champion Sheila Chelangat and former 800m world champion Emily Cherotich  lauded the county administration for demonstrating commitment to developing sports.

Similarly, coaches Paul Kemei of Lemotit Athletics Training camp, his Kericho counterpart Gabriel Kiptanui and Sigowet camp head coach Japheth Kemey said the upgrading of the Kericho Green stadium heralds a new chapter in sports not only in the county but in the entire South Rift region.

Local AK officials have also praised the county administration led by governor Paul Chepkwony, saying this  was a big motivation for budding and prominent athletes because they now have standard stadium for training and for serious competitions.

“This is the way to go and we commend governor Chepkwony and his team for upgrading the stadium to the required standard.

This will motivate both budding and international athletes to take sports as a career,” said Kemei.

“We are happy with this development because it is in line with supporting our athletes to improve their talents,” said Kiptanui who is also the  AK Kericho branch vice-chairman.

Kemei said the region has a huge potential to produce world beating athletes thus the need for support in a bid to nurture their talents.

“Budding and international athletes require support with a view to registering stellar performances in various competitions when normalcy resumes following the coronavirus outbreak.

So We are happy with sports development in Kericho County, “ said Cherotich.

On July 20, Sports Chief Administrative Secretary Noor Hassan Noor and Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei gave the thumps up  to Kericho county for approving the upgrading of the stadium.

They spoke at the stadium during the official opening of the facility. The duo commended the county government for laying a synthetic athletics track on stadium in line with international standards.

Governor Chepkwony has disclosed that upgrading of the stadium and laying of the synthetic athletics track cost the county Sh100 million.

Pavilions at the stadium are expected to accommodate close to 20,000 people.