The first batch of Team Kenya athletes to the Olympics was flagged off by President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday, with the Head of State calling on the team to go forth and conquer the world in Tokyo when the games begin in three-weeks’ time.
The teams are scheduled to first travel to Kurume City for a pre-Olymoics training camp before heading to Tokyo where the games will be held.
President Kenyatta hosted a section of the team at State House Nairobi where he officially handed over the flag, with the national women’s volleyball team Malkia Strikers being the first to depart.
“I ask you to be great ambassadors of our country. I expect you to work hard and together as Team Kenya towards building a stronger sporting sector and to bring glory to your country which I believe thereafter will inspire and nurture those who come in future,” the President said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiling Team Kenya’s kit
Team Kenya to the delayed Summer Games will be captained by rugby player Andrew Amonde who received the flag on behalf of the team from President Kenyatta.
Once again, the President reiterated the Government’s commitment to the development of sports in the country saying, the sector promotes the values of hardwork and service to the nation.
“The 2020 Tokyo Olympics is another opportunity for us to promote these qualities that position us for success in the sporting world,” the President told the athletes and assured them of continued Government support throughout the games.
He congratulated the team for qualifying to represent the country, and wished the athletes success in Japan saying Kenya, is counting on them to win trophies.
“On my behalf and on behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I wish each and every one of you success as you head to Tokyo. We all look forward to welcoming you back home to celebrate your win at the 2020 Olympics,” the President said.
The President thanked Team Kenya’s sponsors led by East African Breweries (EABL) and Safaricom for their continued investment in sports. The two indigenous Kenyan corporates have sponsored kits to be used by Team Kenya during its stay in the Japan.
Presenting the team to the President, Sports CS Amina Mohamed announced that for the first time in the history of Kenya’s participation in the Summer Games, the Tokyo-bound athletes are fully kitted for the entire duration of the Olympics.
Andrew Amonde receives the flag from President Uhuru Kenyatta
“This is an accomplishment which, we hope, will promote the team’s morale and enhance our image on the global stage,” CS Amina said in reference to kits sponsored by EABL and Safaricom.
The Sports CS informed the Head of State that the country’s 2020 Olympics team had undergone a rigorous selection process and exuded confidence of good results.
Japan’s ambassador to Kenya Ryoichi Horie and his spouse joined the President Kenyatta at the flag presentation ceremony.
While Malkia Strikers left on Thursday night, the men’s rugby sevens team, Shujaa, will depart on Friday night with the women’s counterparts leaving on Sunday.
The teams are leaving in a staggered manner due to COVID-19 protocols proposed by the host nation to ensure seamless entry into the country that has recently experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases.
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