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{
    "id": 1191231,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1191231/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 74,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda, SC",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is an opportunity to speak about the real issues regarding sports development within counties, the roles and steps that different counties are taking to develop sport to the next level. We know that sports is not only important for health purposes. Sports goes to the very essence for developing the youth and talent. I believe the challenge that county governments should have, including the national Government, is to ensure that sports such as athletics, football, netball and all other sports, find some seriousness, a good budget from the county but also the development of sports academies. I believe that counties should take the issue of sports academies seriously so that when our sports heroes die, like the one that we are celebrating here today, we are able to have younger sportsmen and women coming to take up their role. For instance, I know that whilst the Rift Valley is popular with athletics - though I know that Sen. William Cheptumo cannot run - it is the duty of all our county governments and leaders to inculcate research for athletes and good sportsmen and women. We should not just be searching for talents when looking for people to play in international games or during competitions at Nyayo National Stadium. If we have ingrown talent right in our villages, sub-counties and counties, then we will have good sportsmen and women to take over from those who have left us. I support and I am happy that this particular Statement has found support from the Senate Majority Leader. It is important that we pay homage to our dead colleagues, who have served this country. Most of our athletes, especially those from the Rift Valley, shine while running for the country but later on live in abject poverty. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is time we considered not only the question of their future but also find a way of ensuring that sportsmen and women who serve the country, do not just retire in abject poverty and suffer to their death, merely because they are unable to get good medical insurance or fend for themselves at that later age. I support."
}