体坛英语新闻：Kenya to spend 90,000 USD to support national teams

NAIROBI, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government will spend over 90,000 U.S. dollars to cater for the country's teams to forthcoming major events such as the Commonwealth Games and World Youth Championships.

Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and the Arts, Hassan Wario disclosed the plan while handing over the national flag to the Africa Youth Championships squad that was set to depart Friday for Gaborone, Botswana.

The last batch of 33 athletes will join the rest who left earlier with Kenya sending 121 to take part in 18 disciplines at the age event that is in its second edition that ends on May 31.

"With Kenya entering virtually in all sports disciplines, that shows our federations are working very hard and it's an indication that our sports is growing not only in athletics," Wario said in Nairobi.

"I urge you to be committed in the games and try the best since you will give our country a good reputation."

"We are taking these games very seriously and we will pay for all your needs including allowance and for those who will win, we will award handsome cash awards," he added on the funds set aside to aid participation at major events.

Team captain Agnes Mulee who will compete in girl's 800m said they have prepared well for the games.

"For some of us this will be our first time to compete internationally. We are eager to come with good results and use the games to build our career since we are young," Mulee said.