Red carpet reception awaits Kenya rugby team

By Chris Wamalwa in USA

A red carpet reception awaits Kenya’s National Rugby Sevens team that posted a sterling performance in the IRB World Series in New Zealand.

The Kenyan Embassy in Washington, DC in conjunction with two leading US based Kenyan businesses- Kenyans Connect and Watu and Co. will on Thursday, February 7, 2013 host the team to a sumptuous dinner party at The Boulevard Theater, 3765 Las Vegas Boulevard, starting at 7:30 p.m.

“This will be our fourth Annual Kenya Rugby Sevens Meet & Greet Red Carpet welcome reception in honor of the National Kenya Rugby Sevens team. This exclusive hosted event is an appreciation for the national team, their efforts and successes, and an opportunity for guests to meet and mingle,” said Jennifer Gichuhi, a Kenyan resident of Las Vegas who is a co-founder and partner of Kenyans Connect.

Ms. Gichuhi said the event is usually attended by approximately 200-300 invited guests and fans who include Kenyan professionals in the Diaspora, Rugby officials, USA Sevens officials, embassy officials, sponsors and other prominent guests.

“The level of interest in this year’s sevens tournament is very high and we are expecting very many Kenyans and so we are extending registration for a few more days to accommodate as many Kenyans as possible during the reception,” she said.

The Kenyan ambassador to the US, Elkanah Odembo said the government through the embassy in DC would use the reception to officially launch the Jubilee celebrations in the US for Fifty years Kenyans have participated in sporting events.

“Kenya takes great pride in our sportsmen and women who have continually raised the Kenyan flag high and sung our patriotic national anthem wherever they have competed in international meets. We are particularly proud of our Rugby Sevens team and are confident that this year will be Kenya's year at the USA Rugby Sevens Tournament." He said.

The Kenyan envoy paid tribute to the Kenyan team saying their recent performance in Australia was an indication of the coming of age of Kenya’s national team.

 “If their recent performance is anything to go by, then the prospects of us winning this tournament are high and so I call upon the Kenyan Diaspora to turn out in large numbers to cheer out team,” he said.

Kenya Sevens team reached the Main Cup final for the second time in their history, with the first one being in Adelaide four years ago.

Even though they lost 24-19 to England in a pulsating final, the team received a standing ovation from the fans.

Kenyans living in the US hailed the team’s performances and as a result, thousands of them are making their way to Las Vegas to cheer the team.

According to Coach Mike Friday, their emphatic performance especially their 19-14 victory over hosts New Zealand in the semi-finals boiled down to the self-belief that the boys had finally acquired.

“To be able to come back from 14-0 down to the current circuit leaders in their own backyard is an achievement worth a pat on the back,” Mr. Friday was quoted to have said.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Rugby Sevens team arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada last evening.

According to Alexander Owino, the team arrived from Wellington, New Zealand.

 Among those who have already arrived are  Andrew Amonde (Captain), Oscar Ouma, Davis Chenge, Oscar Ayodi, Philip Wamae, Horace Otieno, Fabian Olando and Michael Wanjala. Others are Biko Adema, William Ambaka, Collins Injera and Dennis Ombachi.

The Technical Bench is comprised of Friday – Head Coach, Chris Brown – Strength & Conditioning Coach, George Odhiambo – Physiotherapist and Steve Sewe – Team Manager.

Assistant Coach Felix Ochieng was expected to arrive on Tuesday.