Athletics Kenya (AK) has commended the World Athletics Kids Programme for playing a pivotal role in helping children discover their sporting talents early, as the country takes part in the global celebration of Kids’ Athletics Day 2025 under the theme “Relay Around the World.”
Barnaba Korir, Chair of AK’s Youth Committee, said the initiative has become a powerful tool for identifying young athletic talent while instilling core values.
“Kids’ Athletics has grown into a national platform for unearthing talent, building community, and teaching values like teamwork, discipline, and environmental responsibility,” he noted.
A unique feature of the programme is the integration of tree-planting ceremonies during each kids’ relay event—blending sport with environmental stewardship in a way that has resonated across communities.
“We’re not just nurturing future champions—we’re raising environmentally conscious citizens. This fusion of athletics and sustainability is a model we believe should be embraced widely,” said Korir.
He spoke during the culmination of this year’s national campaign on Tuesday, which featured major events in Makueni and Elgeyo Marakwet counties. Since the global launch of the campaign on April 7, more than 15,000 children across Kenya have participated in inclusive, fun-filled athletic events designed to spark lifelong interest in the sport.
Athletics Kenya has held over 20 activations nationwide—from urban hubs to remote villages—introducing children to engaging activities like Formula 1 sprints, sack races, shuttle relays, tyre tunnel runs, hula hoop challenges, and rope skipping. Educators across the country have praised the programme’s accessible and playful approach to sports education.
Kenya’s involvement in the campaign reflects its long-standing athletic tradition and ongoing commitment to youth development. By integrating athletics with environmental awareness, the federation underscores the transformative power of sport.
The Kids’ Athletics programme is part of a global initiative by World Athletics to unite children through sport, culminating in an ambitious world-record relay in Guangzhou, China later this year. Kenya’s active participation affirms its global standing in athletics and highlights a forward-looking vision where sport and sustainability go hand in hand.
