Kenya: Eldoret to Host Special Athletes

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Jessica Nyaboke

29 April 2011

A paralympics cross-country race is set for the weekend in Eldoret. Uasin Gishu County, is set to host the first ever cross-country championship for physically challenged people over the weekend.

The paralympics will compete in 4 and 6 kilometers races which will be held at the Eldoret polytechnic ground, according to James Kendagor, the founder of the Sports Rehabilitation for Combined Disabilities organisation

Kendagor said that Kenyan’s celebrated paralympics/deaflympics world class record holders among them Henry Wanyoike have confirmed their participation.

He pointed out that other elite runners among the deaflympics set to take part are David Kipkogei Kiptum and Daniel Kiptum who won gold medals winners over 10,000m in Taiwan and Switzerland in 2009 respectively.

Another gold medallist is Baxton Menjo (1,500m) and Edwin Kipchumba in the steeplechase at the world championship. Kendagor said after the Eldoret championship, the road will lead to Baringo district on May 22 for the jackpot in 10 kilometre race.

Kendagor explained that the championship which had been scheduled for early this year has been postponed on several occasions due to lack of sponsorship.

Kendagor, however, has lauded two companies dealing in land and real estate in Eldoret town for accepting to sponsor the championship.

He challenged Kenyans to embrace paralympics/deaflympics which he observed were just like any other sporting activities instead of shying away in terms of sponsorship.

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