School-going youth have been urged to observe discipline and hone their sports abilities even as the county and national government focus on talent nurturing.

The national government, and several county governments, among them Uasin Gishu County, are emphasizing youth empowerment through sports.

Speaking while gracing the start of Term One Rift Valley Region Secondary School Games in Eldoret, County Executive for Sports, Eng Lucy Ng’endo, asked the school children to maximize their time in school by growing their talents.

School is where talent is identified. To you boys and girls, observe discipline and work hard both in class and the field,” she said, citing international academic and sports scholarships.

The county executive also added: “School is a seedbed for academic excellence and sports, discipline will give you the ability to excel in the two fields, giving you a big advantage in life.”

She said the county government is focused on nurturing sports talents and the Governor’s Cup is one in many programs running from the grassroots to grow sports.

Teams for World Youth (Athletics) Champions and Football Under 20 (Copa Cocacola) are some of the international games that source participants from schools.

The Term One Secondary School Games are athletics, handball, basketball, hockey, rugby 15s and swimming. The games are being held in several venues across Eldoret.

Most players who are competing at the regional games will attend the national trials for the Africa Junior Championships. The trials will be held in Nairobi, this weekend.