President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday flagged off Kenya’s contingent for the 24th Summer Deaflympics to be hosted in Brazil’s Caxias do Sul City May 1-15

President Uhuru also urged the athletes to emulate Kenya’s middle and long distance runners who have reigned supreme at the Summer Olympics and Paralympics Games over the years.

During the ceremony held at the State House Nairobi, the Head of State called on the team to strive for positions in the medal bracket and surpass the 2017 performance in Samsun, Turkey of a total of 16 medals (5 Gold, 5 Silver, 6 Bronze)

“I wish you well in Brazil, you have displayed that disability is not inability, I am so proud of you and your officials for preparing you well. Kenya is a sporting nation as it has been witnessed in athletics, rugby and WRC Safari Rally,” President Kenyatta said.

Speaking at the same event, Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage Amb. Dr. Amina Mohamed said through the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund, sports teams that represent Kenya in regional and international competitions are now well catered for.

“This time we are sending a big delegation compared to the last edition in 2017. Now we have an addition of women’s football as well as handball men and women, so we expect to come back with more medals,” CS Amina underscored.

“Besides the usual training for the competition, the team has also undergone sensitisation on anti-doping regulations, mental health, and media relations. We are, therefore, confident of posting great results that will cement our place in the world charts as a hub for talent,” she added.

The team were resplendent in their ceremonial outfit, the men donning white shirts with beaded cuffs and the ladies in red dresses complete with beaded statement neck pieces representing the rich Kenyan culture.

By Correspandant.