African Games: Make us proud in Morocco, President Kenyatta urges athletes

President Uhuru Kenyatta hands over the national flag to the Kenyan team to the African Games in Morocco, led by team captain Julius Yego (right) at State House, Nairobi, on Monday. [PSCU]

President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked the Kenyan team to the African Games to make the country proud through excellent and disciplined performances.

The President, who spoke when he handed the team the national flag at State House, Nairobi, wished the Kenyan contingent success at 12th African Games in Morocco.

“Mine today is just to ask that as you proceed to Morocco, represent us with pride, with excellence, with discipline and show Kenya for what it truly is,” the President told the team that was accompanied by Sports CS Amina Mohamed and her PS Peter Kaberia.

“You are without a doubt that bright shining star that Kenya is,” he 

He commended the country’s sportsmen and women for putting the country’s profile on the global map through their outstanding performances.

“As much as we talk about Kenya being known, we have been put on the map by our athletes; our sportsmen and women and that’s you,” the President added.

President Kenyatta advised the team of 234 athletes to remain disciplined, patriotic and uphold team spirit for them to succeed in the competition.

“We ask you to be disciplined, patriotic and team players because there is a difference between an individual athlete and a team. As an individual, you can win but your victory will not be as successful as when your team wins. Do your part, train hard, be focused, play fair and play clean,” the President said.

The Head of State assured Kenya’s sports fraternity that his administration has addressed most of the challenges that faced the industry in the past, citing the example of the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund that he established to ensure sportsmen and women get the resources and assistance they require.

He warned against the mismanagement of the Sh335 million allocated to the Kenyan team to Morocco saying stern action will be taken against any pilferage.

Sports CS Amina Mohamed said the 234 athletes have been drawn from 22 disciplines out of which four are team sports while 18 are individual sports.

“For the first time, 17 of these disciplines will serve as the Tokyo Olympic games 2020 qualifiers. That is why we are so expectant from the team that is going to Morocco,” the CS said.

She pointed out that the team to the 12th African games is the largest and most diverse the country has ever presented at continental games.

Team captain Julius Yego exuded confidence that the Kenyan contingent will perform well at the competition and once again, make Kenya proud.

“We are happy and ready. We promise to hoist the Kenyan flag high,” he said.

Yego, an African and Commonwealth record holder in javelin, thanked the government for the reforms that have streamlined the sporting industry and improved the welfare of athletes.