IAAF to get UAF electronic timer
Oct 10, 2006
WORLD athletics governing body IAAF has promised to secure Uganda an electronic timer. IAAF regional development director John Velzian made the promise at the end of a two-day visit on Sunday.
By Norman Katende
WORLD athletics governing body IAAF has promised to secure Uganda an electronic timer. IAAF regional development director John Velzian made the promise at the end of a two-day visit on Sunday.
“It is all being sorted out. We are entering an agreement for a higher purchase of the timer. We are looking for quality and authorised gadgets,†said Velzian, who also addressed a local federation executive committee meeting before returning to Nairobi, the regional centre.
The gadget has a start gun, camera, computer, wind gauge and false start components.
Velzian was happy at the strides the federation has taken towards the development of the sport.
“What I am happy about is the development plan of Uganda. Currently, it’s the greatest programme in the region with a number of activities for the youth and juniors. This says more about the future of athletics in the country.â€
Meanwhile, the performance of James Kibet, 22 in Debrecen, Hungary on Sunday proves Uganda’s strength in the long distances can still rise.
Uganda, coached by Dr. Flavio Pasqualato, finished fifth overall in the world road running championship that replaced the World Half-marathon.
The Standard High School team captain, the only person at the event without a foreign manager, clocked a personal best 59 minutes 40 seconds to finish in 24th position. The local federation plans to get him a foreign manager.
“He has been around though his performance has not been that good in the senior category. We will talk to (Boniface) Kiprop’s manager Ricky Simms to take him on after this performance,†said UAF secretary Ayikoru.
Kibet finished a distant 46 and 57th in the 2004 and 2005 world half-marathons and 84th in the world cross country championship in France in 2004.
Fourth-place finisher Wilson Busienei stayed behind for more international competitions in Europe while Kibet, Martin Toroitich, Alex Malinga and their coach Pasqualato were expected back home yesterday night.
WORLD athletics governing body IAAF has promised to secure Uganda an electronic timer. IAAF regional development director John Velzian made the promise at the end of a two-day visit on Sunday.
“It is all being sorted out. We are entering an agreement for a higher purchase of the timer. We are looking for quality and authorised gadgets,†said Velzian, who also addressed a local federation executive committee meeting before returning to Nairobi, the regional centre.
The gadget has a start gun, camera, computer, wind gauge and false start components.
Velzian was happy at the strides the federation has taken towards the development of the sport.
“What I am happy about is the development plan of Uganda. Currently, it’s the greatest programme in the region with a number of activities for the youth and juniors. This says more about the future of athletics in the country.â€
Meanwhile, the performance of James Kibet, 22 in Debrecen, Hungary on Sunday proves Uganda’s strength in the long distances can still rise.
Uganda, coached by Dr. Flavio Pasqualato, finished fifth overall in the world road running championship that replaced the World Half-marathon.
The Standard High School team captain, the only person at the event without a foreign manager, clocked a personal best 59 minutes 40 seconds to finish in 24th position. The local federation plans to get him a foreign manager.
“He has been around though his performance has not been that good in the senior category. We will talk to (Boniface) Kiprop’s manager Ricky Simms to take him on after this performance,†said UAF secretary Ayikoru.
Kibet finished a distant 46 and 57th in the 2004 and 2005 world half-marathons and 84th in the world cross country championship in France in 2004.
Fourth-place finisher Wilson Busienei stayed behind for more international competitions in Europe while Kibet, Martin Toroitich, Alex Malinga and their coach Pasqualato were expected back home yesterday night.