Kenya visually impaired powerlifting team step up preps for Kazakhstan Worlds

Training is currently underway at the Nyayo Stadium Gymnasium in Nairobi. 

Head coach David Waore says the team — a mixed squad of 13 athletes, is determined to exceed last year’s impressive haul of 12 medals from the same global competition.

“We always look ahead. With the Blind Olympics also on the horizon, we want to qualify and make a mark there as well. My expectation as a coach is to win even more medals than we did last time,” said Waore.

Team captain for the women’s side, Phylis Wanjiru, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the athletes' desire to improve on last year's show.

“We’ve been working extra hard because our goal is to bring home more gold, silver, and bronze medals,” she stated.

Beyond competition, the athletes are using their platform to encourage other persons with disabilities to embrace sports as a life-changing opportunity.

Meanwhile, the team is appealing to stakeholders and well-wishers for additional support to extend their training period beyond the current seven-day residential camp.

“The government has really supported us. Whenever we have a competition, they ensure we’re in a residential camp, which allows us to focus without worrying about transport or other logistical challenges,” said men’s captain, Morris Kinyua.