• This result is the outcome of the girls' determination in training and I wish them all the best- Coach Rono.
• The World Games seek for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the everyday activities of other people, including sports.
Image: HANDOUT
The Kenya volleyball team came from behind to beat neighbours Tanzania 20-16 in an electrifying match in the ongoing Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany on Sunday.
The team of 10, led by Captain Beverly Cheptoo, pulled a surprise comeback from a 12-10 at the opening stages of the match to win by a four-point margin. The team's coach Eston Rono expressed his excitement with his charges' performance, saying this is proof of the work they have put into training.
“We have been practicing so hard and here we are winning games. This result is the outcome of the girls' determination in training and I wish them all the best. The target is to claim the gold medal,” said coach Rono.
“ It is a great opportunity to play in Berlin and represent Kenya. we are hoping to win gold,” said captain Cheptoo. The team’s strongholds were in service and defence and the coach is excited about the progress.
In this competition, Kenya is represented by 66 participants in different disciplines including badminton, beach volleyball, basketball, golf, cycling, athletics, bocce, football, volleyball, and handball among others.
The World Games seek the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the everyday activities of other people, including sports.
Patron of the Special Olympics Kenya team, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi who traveled with the team is hopeful the world would fully accept those with intellectual disabilities and include them in the Olympics. Pastor Dorcas is the Second Lady.
“We can have just Olympics, and not Special Olympics, which although is a powerful platform of inclusion, segregates those with intellectual disabilities. It was good to see the faces of Special Olympics children, and this is what a dignified future is about,” said Pastor Dorcas.
Pastor Dorcas advocates for the empowerment of PWDs through sports, education, and other co-curricular activities.
Chairman of the Special Olympics Kenya, Thuo Chege said it was a great honour for Kenyans to take part in 11 disciplines at the World Games.
“I have no doubt the team will do well. We look forward to winning several gold medals and other prizes. These people are only abled differently and these games are a testimony of what they are able to do,” said Chege.