Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL), through its flagship brand Tusker, today announced a Sh 5 million sponsorship for Team Kenya for the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The sponsorship will go towards supporting the team’s preparation, and participation in the games scheduled from August 28 to September 8 in the French capital.
In addition to the financial contribution, Tusker is proud to outfit the Paralympic team with an official travel kit, crafted locally by Kenyan hands. This kit symbolizes the nation’s support and showcases the talent and craftsmanship of our people.
East African Breweries Limited(EABL) Manging Director, Mark Ocitti, handed over the sponsorship cheque to the Kenya National Paralympic Committee (KNPC) deputy president, Bhaveet Chudasama atvthe EABL headquarters, Ruaraka, Nairobi today.
Ocitti expressed the company’s commitment to supporting Kenyan athletes.
“Tusker has always been a champion of the Kenyan spirit, and our Paralympic athletes exemplify the very best of our nation,” said Ocitti, adding that they are honoured to partner with these extraordinary individuals who embody the true spirit of Kenya.
“Their dedication and perseverance inspire us all. We believe in their potential to achieve greatness on the world stage, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary support as they strive for glory at the Games,” said Ocitti.
Ocitti said their commitment extends beyond financial support as they have also providedi an official travel kit, crafted by Kenyans for Kenyans. “We aim to boost the team’s morale and showcase the talent of our nation. We are confident that this team will make Kenya proud,” said Ocitti.
Ocitti further emphasised the role of sports in uniting Kenyans. “Through this sponsorship, we aim to bring Kenyans together behind our Paralympic team. Their success will not only inspire the nation but also contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society.”
Chudasama expressed gratitude for the support saying that the sponsorship is a significant boost to the team’s morale and preparation.
“The financial support, coupled with the provision of a travel kit, demonstrates Tusker’s commitment to our athletes’ well-being and success,” said Chudasama, adding with the support of partners like Tusker, they can achieve great things at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and inspire future generations of para-athletes.
Kenya will be represented by a team of 14 para-athletes and seven guides, competing in across five disciplines at the Paris Summer Games; athletics, rowing, taekwondo, powerlifting and cycling.
The squad comprises a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers all poised to make their mark on the global stage.
Leading the charge is three-time Paralympic champion Samwel Mushai, aiming for his fourth Paralympic appearance, with his guide Jean Kipchumba.
The team also has a formidable trio the 2020 Tokyo 1,500m T11 bronze medallist Nancy Chelangat (Guide-Geoffrey Rotich), Mary Waithera (Guide-James Boit), and Prisca Jepkemoi (Guide-Kenneth Lagat) in the 1,500m T11 category.
Other athletics stars include John Lokedi (5,000m T13), Wesley Sang (1,500m T46), Samson Ojuka (Long Jump T37), and Sheila Wanyonyi (Javelin F12).
Joining the athletics contingent is Dedan Ireri Maina, a cycling sensation who recently clinched four gold medals at the Africa Para-cycling Championships in Cairo. The former street urchin will be joined by fellow cyclist Kennedy Ogada.
Ireri and Ogada will be making their debut at the Paralympics.
The dynamic duo of Stacy Neema and Julieta Moipo will represent Kenya in taekwondo, while Asiya Sururu takes to the water for rowing on her second appearance at the Paralympics after 2020 Tokyo. Neema and Moipo are making their first appearance.
Completing the team is the Commonwealth Games lightweight bronze medalist, Hellen Wawira, fresh from the World Powerlifting Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, where she secured her spot through a strong world ranking.
