So while it is a chilly -2C outside in Toronto we though you might like to see some pictures to warm your heart from our friend Kibet Biwott in Kenya.

Kibet is a track coach who has recently started his own company Axis Sports Marketing which is based in Nairobi. Axis Sports is a relatively new company but last weekend they organized a schools x-country event with over 1,200 participants and their teachers.

Kenya has a fine tradition of distance running and some of their most internationally recognized athletes turned up to encourage the new generation. Among their guests were Kenyan star: Daniel Komen who is the current 3000 meters world record holder. Daniel started running at the age of seven as a means of getting to school and rose to break two world records for 3,000m and 2 mile distances both of which still stand today. Christopher Cheboiboch the marathon runner was also present. Mr Cheboiboch has competed all over North America, winning several marathons and fished 2^nd place in both the prestigious Boston and New York City Marathon events. And if that weren’t enough to inspire the youngsters! William Mutwol bronze medalist from the 1992 Olympic Games in the 3000m steeplechase event was also on hand to join in the excitement.

Having talent like this at a grass roots event to inspire the Kenyan youth is a credit to the event organizer’s vision and tenacity. Kibet’s keen interest in grass root programs led him to IFTA and although Nairobi is a long way from Toronto, our partner organization Eveque UK stepped in to provide Pacesetter coaching manuals for the attending teachers. Kibet reports: “Thank you very much for the sponsorship of the pacesetter manuals, the teachers and the coaches were so happy and the event was a success”.

And Kenya’s future stars? Here are the winners from the day's events. Watch these names and remember Daniel Komen started running just as a way to get to school!

3km Girls Mercy Kiprop - Kiptingo school
3km Boys Kogei Suter - Matungen school
6km Boys Mathew Chelimo - Matungen school
6km Girls Gladys Kwambai - Matungen school

Kibet is currently trying to source sponsors to support the participating schools, many of which have very few books and poor facilities. Anyone wishing to assist with his mission or wanting to know more about grass roots programming and coaching in Nairobi can contact Kibet at: