BY OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kenya National Paralympic Committee (KNPC) and the government have promised change that will eventually produce the much desired results come the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games among other top para sports competitions.
KNPC secretary general Stanley Mutuma and the head of Team Kenya for the Paris Paralympic Games, Evans Achoki reckoned that preparations from the 2028 LA Games and 2026 Commonwealth Games should start in earnest.
Kenya finished 75th in the medal standings behind eight other Africa countries at the Paris Games that drew to a close on Sunday night with a colourful closing ceremony at the Stade de France.
Algeria top in Africa at 25th position with 11 medals; six gold and five bronze (6-0-5) followed by Tunisia (5-3-3)in 27th place, Morocco (31st, 3-6-6), Nigeria (40th, 2-3-2) , Egypt (41st, 2-3-3), Ethiopia (44th, 2-1-0), South Africa (46th, 2-0-4) and Namibia (61st, 1-0-1).
KNPC had targeted at least four medals but fell short, collecting only one silver medal through Samson Ojuka in men’s long jump T37 as victory proved elusive for the second time. Kenya managed a bronze only at the 2021 Tokyo Games.
Mutuma noted that even though they registered mixed results, the country had more numbers and disciplines compared to the previous Games.
“We had expected at least four medals from athletics but we fell short since our rivals have upped their game. We could see other countries had much better preparations,” said Mutuma, adding that the most positive thing is that Team Kenya successfully participated in the Games without any hitches.
“The games’ organisation was flawless, having not had a major incident apart from the accident that happened during the pre-games camp in Compiegne, which is quite normal,” said Mutuma, explaining that every participant got their local and overseas allowances on time.
Mutuma noted that having five disciplines at the Games where taekwondo and cycling added to the numbers as a good achievement hence they will double their efforts to have over 30 athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Games compared to 14, who made it to Paris.
Furthermore, Mutuma they have a strategic plan for the 2028 Los Angeles Games and beyond that will incorporate sports federations, learning institutions for the disabled and the corporates.
Mutuma said they will also strike partnerships with countries like China and European countries among others to see how they will help Kenya grow in para sports.
“We shall have to engage federations like Athletics Kenya, Cycling and power-lifting federations to incorporate us in their competition calendar and talent search so we can grow the numbers,” said Mutuma, adding that they will rope in coaching and refereeing in these programs.
Mutuma said funding will be required to succeed in their programs hence the need for proper marketing and media strategy that will lure the corporate companies. “We are glad Safaricom and East African Breweries Limited came through for us for the Paris Games,” said Mutuma.
On the part of training, Mutuma said Kenya must embrace science and technology less they be left behind as the world moves.
Achoki said that the government will accord para sports special attention in the provision of facilities, training, coaching and funding as well as talent search and development.
“We went to cheer our athletes in all the venues and they did their best with most returning their personal best. It was quite clear our opponents had upped their game and we have learnt our lessons,” said Achoki, adding that the government will be deliberate in funding para activities so as to spur performance.
“We shall sit down with KNPC and deliberate on the way forward since we feel para sports need much more attention,” explained Achoki, noting that teams have embraced science in their preparations, something Kenya must.
Team Kenya physiotherapist Altaf Mapara said science-based approach worked especially for Ojuka and Hellen Wawira, who managed personal best 101kg in power-lifting.
“We have the talent but there is more to it. Athletes need good nutrition, gym and psychology sessions to better their performance,” said Mapara.
The next batch of Team Kenya will arrive in Nairobi on Monday at 9pm aboard Air France with the last batch expected at 6am on Tuesday.
