Kenya will start immediately its preparations for the 2015 Special Olympics to be hosted by the US inLos Angeles.
National Bank boss Munir Ahmed presents a dummy cheque to Ann Nyikuli. PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD
Special Olympics Kenya (SOK) on Tuesday said it was important to start their preparation early if the country is to do well in the global competition.
SOK want to come up with teams in track and field, handball, bowling, swimming, golf, equestrian, volleyball and basketball.
The plans were boosted when National Bank of Kenyadonated Sh2.5million towards the same.
“We will start competitions in every county to identify who will proceed to the nationals where we will hold selections for Kenya’s representatives in the games,” SOK chairman James Kimonye told FeverPitch.
John Makathimo, a SOK director, explained that the federation is starting the preparations early because most athletes have mental disability and are slow learners.
Big contingent
Kenya is seeking to take 53 athletes, 14 coaches and two officials to the games in Los Angeles. In order to recruit good athletes and competent teams for the games the SOK needs Sh10million.
“We also need Sh47 million to take the teams to the World Summer Games. I take this opportunity to appeal to other well-wishers to come forward and support our athletes,” said Makathimo, who also urged the Sports Ministry to consider rewarding all their medalists.
This is the second year in a row that NBK is sponsoring the SOK team. The bank donated a similar amount when SOK sent a swimming team to the World Aquatic Competition in Puerto Rico last September where Kenya managed four silvers and a bronze.
NBK Managing Director, Munir Ahmed, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting sports in the country including those in vulnerable groups.
Nurture talent
“The sponsorship of the Special Olympics Kenya is important to the bank because it will help in nurturing talent among the vulnerable groups in our society,” Ahmed said.
Ambassador Ann Nyikuli, who represented Cabinet Secretary for Art, Sport and Culture Hassan Wario at the ceremony, said the Government was keen on working with the private sector to promote athletes and ensure exemplary performance on the global stage.
“I wish to urge other institutions to emulate NBK in support of Kenya’s Special Olympics teams as they prepare for the games,” said Nyikuli.
“SOK has continued to institute good programmes, which have brought out the best in our sportsmen and women ranging from athletics to football to swimming for the intellectually challenged.
“Only last year, the federation introduced floor hockey and sent a team to take part in the World Championships in South Korea where Kenya won gold.”
Only 33, 000 athletes are registered with SOK, which is encouraging parents and Kenyans in general to identify and encourage those who are yet undiscovered to come forward for sport training.
By ERICK OCHIENG’, The Standard
