Tuesday saw the departure of the Kenyan teams for the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK. President Uhuru Kenyatta did this.
President Kenyatta praised the athletes for bringing honour and dignity to the nation at the brief event at the State House in Nairobi.
“…there is no doubt in Kenyans’ minds that sports has given this country immense pride.
You are the face of our wonderful country when you are out there, thus it is you who have made this possible.
We sincerely appreciate the work you put into what you do, said President Kenyatta.
The Head of State, who was pleased that the athletes were well-prepared for the championships, exhorted the teams to keep enhancing the country’s profile by excelling at international competitions.
The President congratulated the athletes, saying, “There has been a lot of work, a lot of efforts on your part, on the part of your coaches and the technical team, on the part of the Ministry, on the part of Athletics Kenya, on the part of the National Olympic Committee and all who have been involved, but at the end of the day it is your personal commitment that places you at the top of what our country has to offer.”
Kenya will send 46 athletes to the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, and 157 athletes will compete for Kenya at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Amb. Amina Mohamed, the cabinet secretary for sports, praised the president for his ongoing commitment to the Kenyan sports community.
The CS gave the assurance that her Ministry, along with all sporting associations, had adequately prepared the teams for the championships.
“Your Excellency, please accept my gratitude. In the athletics world, you have always made time for us.
We are truly appreciative of your continued support, the CS remarked.
Paul Tergat, president of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK), and Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Jackson Tuwei, president of Athletics Kenya, were both in attendance.