Team Kenya has embarked on an exciting new chapter at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with a blend of optimism, fresh partnerships, and a commitment to excel on the global stage. Having arrived in the athletes’ village from Compiegne on Thursday, the team has settled in and is ready to take on the challenges ahead.
For the Kenyan Paralympians, Paris represents more than just another competition. It’s a fresh start, marked by an improved environment, better facilities, and the inspiring leadership of seasoned athletes. Team captain Samwel Mushai, a multiple Paralympics champion, reflected on the unique atmosphere of these Games, comparing them to his previous experiences, particularly the 2016 Rio Summer Games.
Mushai, making his fourth appearance at the Paralympics, is determined to reclaim his 5,000m T11 (completely blind) title after missing out on the Tokyo Games. “The facilities are quite different, with more perks for the team, including mobile phones and quality kits from Asics,” Mushai shared. The 2012 London 1,500m T11 and 2016 Rio 5,000m T11 gold medalist added, “Leading such a highly motivated team is a proud moment.”
The improvements in the Paris Games have not gone unnoticed by the athletes. Nancy Chelangat, Kenya’s only medalist at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, echoed Mushai’s sentiments. She highlighted the contrast between Paris and Tokyo, where COVID-19 restrictions heavily influenced the atmosphere.
Making her third Paralympic appearance, Chelangat is eyeing gold after securing silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2021 in the 1,500m T11. “The positive atmosphere in Paris is encouraging,” she noted, adding that technological advancements have made moving within the village and training venues easier.
The excitement is palpable among the team, particularly among those making their debut. John Lokedi, who is competing in the 5,000m T13 (partially blind) category, described his experience as humbling. “I’ve never seen so many people from different cultures, tribes, and races. This is the first time I’ve received a full competition and travel kit,” Lokedi said, reflecting the inclusive and well-prepared environment that the team has found in Paris.
Taekwondo players Julieta Moipo and Stency Neema also expressed their enthusiasm for the Games. For Neema, who had previously tried to qualify in badminton and athletics, Paris is the culmination of a long journey. “This feels real now… My dream is to make my Samburu people proud by winning a medal for them,” she said, underscoring the personal and communal significance of her participation.
In addition to the athletes’ experiences, the Kenyan camp is buzzing with excitement following a new partnership with global sports apparel manufacturer Asics. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the Kenya National Paralympic Committee (KNPC), which had previously lacked an official kit partner.
General Team Manager Bhaveet Chudasama hailed the partnership as a new dawn for Kenyan Paralympics. While the current agreement covers the Paris Games, negotiations for a long-term deal are ongoing, with an eye on the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. “This partnership is for the Paris Games, but we are negotiating for a long-term partnership as we target the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games,” Chudasama explained.
The partnership with Asics, along with the support from the KNPC board, Sports Fund, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative and Sports, has ensured that the team is well-equipped and comfortable. Chudasama emphasized that preparations for the 2028 LA Games have already begun. “Our focus on the American Games starts immediately, as Paris is now at the tail end. We hope to send more of our athletes to early qualifying events,” he said.
Moreover, for the first time, the team had the opportunity to train in camps both in Kenya and France, a move that has been crucial in refining their skills and boosting their confidence. “We’ve had great support from the ministry and Sports Fund, and things are starting to fall into place. We plan to have a bigger team in LA,” Chudasama concluded.
As Team Kenya embraces this new beginning at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the blend of experience, fresh talent, and strategic partnerships sets the stage for a promising performance, not just in Paris, but in the years to come.
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