President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday evening handed over the flag to the World Championships and Commonwealth Games bound teams at State House.

The world championships begin in Eugene, Oregon on Friday and ends on July 24, before the Commonwealth Games begin in Birmingham, UK four days later.

Athletes representing 18 sporting disciplines congregated at the House on the hill where the Head of State addressed them and gave his best wishes. The athletes included the joint team to the World Athletics World Championships in Oregon.

The head of state cheered on the joint team, acknowledging that Kenya has had great glory because of the athletes.

President Kenyatta mentioned that the timing of the two games is very significant considering the country is gearing up for elections.

The government has fully funded the Commonwealth Games bound team to Birmingham, with Sports Cabinet Secretary Amb. Dr. Amina Mohamed assuring the Head of State that the Games Management is on track, to make sure the team is well managed and facilitated.

The President reminded the athletes to play clean and avoid ‘embarrassing the country’.

By Fred Odanga Azelwa.