Team Kenya preparations for Paris Olympic Games in top gear

Kenya on Wednesday marked 100 days to this year’s Paris Olympic Games with officials from National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) reaffirming their commitment to best prepare qualified teams for the global event.

The ceremony, held at Uhuru Park, attracted dignitaries, sponsors and sportsmen, among them two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, who is expected to headline the men’s marathon team in August.

Also invited were Kenyan sporting legends including two-time world marathon champion Catherine Ndereba, Kipchoge Keino, Mary Keitany, and rugby stars Collins Injera, Humphrey Kayange and Dennis Ombachi.

"The Olympics is one of those events so ingrained in the lives of almost every Kenyan - young and old - which evokes huge emotional anticipation and involvement,” NOCK President Dr. Paul Tergat said during the event. “This is the year we look forward to the celebration and magnificent display of sporting talents. For us as a National Olympic Committee, our responsibility goes beyond sending athletes to the Games.

“It is a moment to ignite the spirit of champions within every Kenyan and to unify the nation under the banner of our world-conquering Team Kenya Athletes.”

Headlining a studded list of teams that have already booked their places to Paris is the national women’s volleyball side Malkia Strikers, who were represented by star hitter Sharon Chepchumba, as well as Mozzart Bet Kenya Country Manager Sasa Krneta, lead sponsor of the team.

The men’s rugby team - Shujaa - was also present, as was Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala, and Olympic silver medalist Julius Yego.

"Olympics is about participation and we need everyone to be behind the athletes and not to just wait at the finish line waiting to criticize. We are calling everyone to come on board and support us," NOCK Secretary General Francis Mutuku said.

"This time round we have ensured we have given teams maximum financial support to help them not only qualify but also prepare well. We have started early and not just waited for when qualification is done. Before that medal is won, there is a big aspect of preparation," he added.

His comments were backed by Kenya’s Chief de Mission to the Games - Shadrack Maluki - who also reiterated his role to ensure all aspects relating to qualification pathways and participation in the Olympics are followed through, timely and professionally.

Kenya women’s 3x3 basketball team is one of the teams in the hunt for an Olympics spot, and are in Miramas in readiness for the final round of qualification in Japan next month.

Kenya women’s rugby team - Lionesses - are also set to seek qualification via the repechage.

Meanwhile, French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet promised visa- support for athletes, officials and Kenyans heading out to Paris, and hinted that several watch parties would be staged in Nairobi for fan viewing.

Team Kenya athletes equipped with essential life skills ahead of Paris Olympics