Ability Sports Kenya to Debut at World Ability Sports Beach Games in Turkey
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The newly established Ability Sports Kenya (ASK) federation is set to make its debut at the upcoming World Ability Sports Beach Games, scheduled for October 18–25 in Mersin, Turkey.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Friday morning, ASK president Agnes Oluoch expressed her excitement, describing the milestone as a dream come true in her mission to promote sports among Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).
“It has always been my vision to create opportunities for persons with disabilities through sport,” said Oluoch. “For our first major international outing, Kenya will be represented in Para Badminton and Para Powerlifting.”
Oluoch emphasised that the federation, which acts as an umbrella body, worked closely with affiliate federations to select the national teams.
“Ability Sports Kenya facilitated the process through our affiliate bodies to select a team of 12 athletes for Para Badminton and seven for Para Powerlifting. These teams will represent Kenya in Turkey,” she explained.
She added that the team is not traveling merely to participate, but to compete at the highest level. “This will be a historic outing, but we are not tourists in Turkey—we are going for gold,” she asserted.
The Para Badminton team, managed by Alfred Simiyu Barasa and coached by John Mburu, includes Ashiley Inyele Autai, Benson Mutiso, Nicholas Keiyo, Japheth Kakai, Caleb Omolo, Petronila Muhani, Bonface Were, Mary Nduku, Newton Gatobu, Patrick Mwema, Martin Gikonyo, and Elizabeth Nabwire.
The Para Powerlifting team will be under the supervision of loader Justin Onyonka, and comprises Adala Collins, Sonia Tendai, Joash Otieno, Eugene Batu, Margaret Wamaitha, Merceline Kavumbi, and Lekaja Muraya.
The athletes and officials are scheduled to depart the country in two groups, leaving on Saturday and early Sunday morning respectively.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Friday morning, ASK president Agnes Oluoch expressed her excitement, describing the milestone as a dream come true in her mission to promote sports among Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).
“It has always been my vision to create opportunities for persons with disabilities through sport,” said Oluoch. “For our first major international outing, Kenya will be represented in Para Badminton and Para Powerlifting.”
Oluoch emphasised that the federation, which acts as an umbrella body, worked closely with affiliate federations to select the national teams.
“Ability Sports Kenya facilitated the process through our affiliate bodies to select a team of 12 athletes for Para Badminton and seven for Para Powerlifting. These teams will represent Kenya in Turkey,” she explained.
She added that the team is not traveling merely to participate, but to compete at the highest level. “This will be a historic outing, but we are not tourists in Turkey—we are going for gold,” she asserted.
The Para Badminton team, managed by Alfred Simiyu Barasa and coached by John Mburu, includes Ashiley Inyele Autai, Benson Mutiso, Nicholas Keiyo, Japheth Kakai, Caleb Omolo, Petronila Muhani, Bonface Were, Mary Nduku, Newton Gatobu, Patrick Mwema, Martin Gikonyo, and Elizabeth Nabwire.
The Para Powerlifting team will be under the supervision of loader Justin Onyonka, and comprises Adala Collins, Sonia Tendai, Joash Otieno, Eugene Batu, Margaret Wamaitha, Merceline Kavumbi, and Lekaja Muraya.
The athletes and officials are scheduled to depart the country in two groups, leaving on Saturday and early Sunday morning respectively.
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