By Kimondo Maina, DevReporter, Nakuru County
Key Highlights
- The 2024 Paris Paralympics have inspired local para-athletes in Kenya, fueling their aspirations to represent the country on the global stage.
- Para-athletes face significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure.
- The tournament served as a powerful platform for advocacy, allowing para-athletes to raise awareness and challenge societal stereotypes about Persons with Disabilities.
- As the global spotlight on the 2024 Paris Paralympics fades, the impact of these games is resonating at the grassroots level in Kenya.
Nakuru County hosted the Intercounty Para Volleyball Tournament from 12 to 14 September 2024.
The event showcased local talent, serving as a vital platform for para-athletes to demonstrate their skills and determination.
Inspiration from Paris
David Lenokwapus, a para volleyball player from Samburu County, described the Paralympics games in France as a powerful source of motivation. This experience has fueled his ambition to one day represent Kenya on the international Paralympic stage. The desire to wave the Kenyan flag at the Games drives him to work harder.
Fred Omondi from the Nakuru Men’s Para Volleyball team echoed this sentiment, stating, “The success and visibility of the Paralympics ignite a strong sense of ambition among local athletes.”
Grassroots Challenges
Despite the inspiration from the games in France, para volleyball players encounter significant hurdles on their journey to success.
“Para volleyball is played on flat, slippery surfaces; if the ground isn’t slippery, we have to lay down carpets. Sitting on rough terrain can be painful, and we lack a proper field and essential facilities,” noted Florence Ofwenze, Coach of the Nakuru Para Volleyball team.
Progress and Resilience
Despite these obstacles, recent successes highlight the progress and resilience within the sport.
Earlier this year, the team showcased their growing abilities by participating in friendly matches in Kisumu, followed by a crucial trip to Lagos, Nigeria, from mid-January to 6 February 2024, for the African Zonal Championship and Paralympic qualifiers.
“In February this year, Kenya participated in the Paralympic qualifiers in Nigeria. Unfortunately, we did not qualify; our men’s team placed second behind Egypt, and only the top team advanced. Our ladies’ team also finished second, behind Rwanda,” Fred shared.
Challenging Stereotypes
Fred emphasised that these games are instrumental in challenging stereotypes regarding Persons With Disabilities.
Through para volley, we have raised awareness and challenged stereotypes at the grassroots level. More people are coming to watch us play, and we encourage them to recognise our diverse abilities.
Advocacy
The achievements of local para-athletes continue to inspire, underscoring the urgent need for increased support and investment in grassroots para sports.
Notably, only eight of the 47 counties participated in the tournament, highlighting a critical issue in budget allocation for such sports at the county level.
“There is a need for the establishment of a county-level docket to manage budgets allocated for para-athletics,” David stated.
According to a report published by the United Nations in June 2023, titled Re-thinking Disability Inclusion for SDGs, the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved without including persons with disabilities.
In addition to challenging stereotypes, these games have provided a platform for persons with disabilities to voice and advocate for their rights as outlined in the 2010 Constitution of Kenya.
All these efforts aim to reduce inequality within communities by empowering and promoting social, economic, and political inclusion for everyone, including persons with disabilities, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goal, 10.
During the tournament, the Bungoma County Women’s team excelled in the women’s category, while the Uasin Gishu Men’s team triumphed in the men’s para volley.
These competitions also provided a selection opportunity, with standout performers being identified for the national team.
