Kenya's Special Olympics team has drawn abundant praise from the government after delivering a vintage performance in Berlin, Germany last week.
The national heroes got a rousing welcome during a luncheon hosted by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his official residence in Karen, Nairobi on Wednesday.
In his flowery speech, Gachagua extolled the team for their sterling performance, saying they had embellished the country's image.
Team Kenya plundered 15 Gold medals, four Silver medals, and six Bronze medals during the games held between June 17 to 25.
"A hearty congratulations to our champions and we are excited to host you at this luncheon after your sterling performance at the just concluded Special Olympics," Gachagua said.
"Scooping 15 gold medals, four silver, and six bronze medals is no mean feat for people who many times have been fated as lesser members of society. President William Ruto is proud of you, I'm proud of you and the entire nation is proud of you."
"You have made a pronouncement by swimming against the current of the lowest potential of people living with disabilities in our country. Society has set unfortunate standards that those suffering from disabilities are harshly judged by."
The DP said the government will award Sh750,000 to every team member who won a gold medal. Silver medalists at the games will take home Sh600,000.
"The individual medalists who won bronze will get Sh500,000 and the team that won silver will get Sh75,000. Individuals who won bronze will get Sh300,000 and the team that won bronze will get Sh50,000. In total the government will give you Sh10.2 million," he said.
Gachagua also gifted the team a personal donation of Sh3 million which was instantly handed over by the Second Lady Dorcas Gachagua, who also extolled them for their commendable performance.
"It is a holiday so I will give you Sh3 million in cash to divide it among yourselves," DP Gachagua said.
The Deputy President said discussions are ongoing to map out strategies for steering the team to unprecedented heights. He said by winning in the global arena, Kenya gets respected across the world and tourism is boosted.
Speaking at the function, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum, told the DP: "We are very happy as the Ministry that you have been able to organise this special breakfast and lunch for our Special Olympics competitors in recognition of what they have been able to do for this country."
He said the Ministry has launched a blueprint to award individuals who excel in various disciplines on the international front.
"In the next two months, we are putting in place a policy that will be speaking to all aspects of rewarding the athletes."
