Nandi Governor, Stephen Sang, today, flagged-off the Paralympic team of 22 athletes who will represent Kenya in the upcoming Paralympic games in Paris.
The event took place at the renowned Kipchoge Complex, a venue named after the legendary marathoner, Eliud Kipchoge, symbolizing the spirit of perseverance and excellence in athletics.
The send-off ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, sports officials, athletes, and enthusiastic supporters. The team has been preparing at the facility for nearly two months.
Sang lauded the athletes for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment despite the numerous challenges they faced.
He emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sports and reiterated the county’s support for all athletes, regardless of their physical abilities.
‘Our Paralympic team embodies the true spirit of sportsmanship and determination. They have overcome immense challenges to reach this stage, and we are incredibly proud to have them represent Kenya on the international stage
,’ he said.
The team consisting of athletes competing in various disciplines, has been rigorously training and is poised to make a significant impact at the games.
They expressed their gratitude for the support and encouragement they have received from the local community and the government promising an outstanding performance in Paris.
Mary Njoroge, a prominent para-athlete in the team, shared her excitement and determination to bring home medals.
‘We have trained hard and are ready to compete against the best in the world. We thank everyone who has supported us and promise to give our best performance,’ she said.
The event also featured inspiring speeches from former Paralympians, who shared their experiences and motivated the current team. They highlighted the transformative power of sports and the importance of perseverance and teamwork.
The Paris Paralympic games will take place from August 28 to September 8, 2024, where Kenya’s finest para-athletes will compete against the best in the world, striv
ing to bring honour and pride to their homeland.
The sports complex has played a crucial role in their training by providing essential support for athletes’ training and residential needs. It currently boasts of furnished hostel rooms and a State-of-the-Art training track, making it an ideal ground for preparation.
It has also hosted various teams, including the ladies’ and men’s Talanta Hela football teams for regional and national competitions.
Situated at high altitude, the training centre offers optimal conditions for enhancing athletic performance.
Source: Kenya News Agency