Kenya Paralympians kitted, ready to depart for Tokyo Games

The Tokyo-bound Paralympics team received Thursday their official travel kit in time for departure to the Japanese capital for the quadrennial event that starts on August 24 through to September 5.

Unlike a few years ago when Paralympians would block Thika Super Highway to demand for their allowances and better treatment, the Sports Ministry has moved to streamline operations.

This time, athletes to all international events are paid their allowances before boarding the plane. Team Kenya to the just concluded Tokyo 2020 Olympics were kitted and their allowances paid out before leaving the country.

During the presentation by Kenya Breweries Limited through their brand Tusker, Kenya National Paralympics Committee president Agnes Oluoch said that the team was excited about their new kits and the prospects of delivering medals at the upcoming games.

“We are excited to travel to Tokyo in our new kits and we can already feel the full support of Kenyans even as we begin to travel for the games from Friday.

“We have prepared diligently despite several constraints in our current Covid-19 environment. We hope to fly the flag high as Kenya’s ambassadors at the Paralympics and we hope to pick up several medals at the games.” said Oluoch

Kenya will send a contingent of 54 athletes and officials for the demanding event given the special needs and equipment of the athletes.

Kenya’s Paralympics team is first participated at the games in 1972 in Heidelberg, Germany, and have since amassed 19 gold medals, 16 silver and 13 bronze.

Beijing 2008 remains Kenya’s best-ever outing in Paralympics where they brought home 5 gold, 3 silver and a bronze.

Four years ago in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Team Kenya bagged 3 gold, a silver and two bronze medals.

Tusker Brand Manager Kennedy Mutula commended the Tokyo-bound team for their commitment and preparation for the Games.

 “We applaud the Kenyan Paralympics team for their meticulous preparations through the qualifying stage and finally as they set out to Tokyo to represent us at the Paralympic Games. As Tusker we felt it was necessary for Kenya's Paralympians to don their national attire that speaks to the support they have back home. We hope this kit adds that extra bit of motivation as they travel to conquer the world as this year’s games,” said Mutula.

He praised the work put in by the Kenya Paralympics National Committee that mirrored the company’s brand commitment to creating a conducive environment for all Kenyans to express their talent,” he added.

“I applaud the work the KNPC has put into providing platforms for all Kenyans to express themselves. Through these games, we will see our Kenyan heroes and heroines don the national stripes and represent us well at the games. As Tusker, we share the same commitment in line with our brand purpose that is to bring Kenyans together to stand tall and I’m confident we will see these athletes stand tall in Tokyo."