Team Kenya embraces new beginnings at Paris 2024 Paralympics with high hopes and fresh partnerships

Team Kenya, set to compete in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, has settled into the athletes’ village after arriving from Compiegne on Thursday.

The athletes have shared their experiences, with their captain and multiple Paralympics champion, Samwel Mushai, highlighting the unique atmosphere of these Games compared to his previous participation at the 2016 Rio Summer Games.

Mushai, making his fourth appearance and aiming to reclaim his 5,000m T11 (completely blind) title after missing the Tokyo Games, noted that the Paris Games offer a distinct experience for athletes.

"The facilities are quite different, with more perks for the team, including mobile phones and quality kits from Asics," said Mushai, the 2012 London 1,500m T11 and 2016 Rio 5,000m T11 gold medalist. "Leading such a highly motivated team is a proud moment."

Nancy Chelangat, Kenya’s only medalist at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, echoed Mushai’s sentiments, emphasizing the stark contrast with the event in Tokyo, where COVID-19 restrictions were prevalent.

Making her third Paralympic appearance, Chelangat, who is targeting gold after securing silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in Tokyo 2021 in the 1,500m T11, remarked on the positive atmosphere in Paris.

"Technology has improved, moving within the village and training venues easier," she noted.

Taekwondo players Julieta Moipo and Stency Neema expressed their excitement, with Neema saying, "This feels real now... I tried to qualify in badminton and athletics, but I couldn’t. My dream is to make my Samburu people proud by winning a medal for them."

John Lokedi, making his debut at the Games in the 5,000m T13 (partially blind) category, described the experience as humbling.

"I’ve never seen so many people from different cultures, tribes, and races. This is the first time I’ve received a full competition and travel kit," Lokedi said.

In addition to the athletes’ experiences, there was excitement in the Kenyan camp following a new partnership between the Kenya National Paralympic Committee (KNPC) and the global sports apparel manufacturer, Asics.

Although the negotiations for a long-term deal are ongoing, Asics provided the full kit to Team Kenya ahead of the Games, which start on Wednesday.

General Team Manager, Bhaveet Chudasama, hailed the partnership as a new dawn for Paralympics, noting that the team had not previously had an official kit partner.

"This partnership is for the Paris Games, but we are negotiating for a long-term partnership as we target the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games," said Chudasama.

He also thanked the KNPC board, Sports Fund, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative and Sports for ensuring the team’s comfort.

Chudasama emphasized that preparations for the 2028 LA Games have already begun. "Our focus on the American Games starts immediately, as Paris is now at the tail end. We hope to send more of our athletes to early qualifying events," he said.

He added that, for the first time, the team had training camps both in Kenya and France, which helped the athletes, focus and refine their skills.

"We’ve had great support from the ministry and Sports Fund, and things are starting to fall into place. We plan to have a bigger team in LA," Chudasama concluded.