Team Kenya has settled into the athletes’ village in Paris after arriving from Compiegne on Thursday, ready to compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games.
The athletes, led by their captain and multiple Paralympic champion Samwel Mushai, have shared their excitement and the unique atmosphere they’ve encountered compared to previous Games.
Mushai, who is making his fourth Paralympic appearance, is aiming to reclaim his 5,000m T11 (completely blind) title after missing the Tokyo Games. Reflecting on the differences from his earlier experiences, including the 2016 Rio Summer Games, Mushai noted, “The facilities here are quite different, with more perks for the team, including mobile phones and quality kits from Asics.” 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.”
Nancy Chelangat, Kenya’s only medalist at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, echoed Mushai’s sentiments, pointing out the stark contrast with the Tokyo Games, where COVID-19 restrictions were in full effect.
Making her third Paralympic appearance, Chelangat, who is targeting gold after winning silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2021 in the 1,500m T11, spoke positively about the atmosphere in Paris. “Technology has improved, making it easier to move within the village and training venues,” she observed.
Taekwondo athletes Julieta Moipo and Stency Neema also expressed their excitement. Neema, who is making her Paralympic debut, said, “This feels real now. I tried to qualify in badminton and athletics, but I couldn’t. My dream is to make my Samburu people proud by winning a medal for them.”
John Lokedi, competing in the 5,000m T13 (partially blind) category, described his first Paralympic 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 remarked.
Adding to the excitement in the Kenyan camp is a new partnership between the Kenya National Paralympic Committee (KNPC) and global sports apparel manufacturer Asics. Although negotiations for a long-term deal are still ongoing, Asics has provided Team Kenya with a full kit ahead of the Games, which start on Wednesday.
General Team Manager Bhaveet Chudasama hailed the partnership as a new dawn for Kenya’s Paralympic team, noting that they previously lacked an official kit partner. “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 said. He also expressed gratitude to the KNPC board, Sports Fund, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative and Sports for ensuring the team’s comfort.
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 added.
Chudasama also highlighted the importance of the training camps held in both Kenya and France, which have helped the athletes refine their skills and maintain focus. “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.
