Africa-Press – Kenya. Willis Otieno won Kenya’s first medal at the ongoing Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany after finishing second in the standing long jump.
Otieno, 22, managed 1.25m off his third and final attempt in a contest won by Hajredini Agron of North Macedonia on 1.6m while Sepulveda Roman of Colombia was third in a hop of 1.13m.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s volleyball and football teams recorded impressive results with wins over Bangladesh and Finland respectively. Led by captain Francis Kiragu, the men’s volleyball team beat Bangladesh 6-3 at the Olympia Stadium on Monday.
In the seven-aside girls’ football, Kenya thrashed Finland 4-1 to continue their fine run. The girls had earlier whipped China 15-0 and drew 4-4 with Slovakia. Coach Boniface Makumi said: “I am proud of the way the team played. They showed determination to win. Congratulations to the girls for the win.”
“I urge every player to give their best. Team spirit should remain the same throughout the tournament. Our target is to win the gold medal. We are in fine form after beating China mercilessly and drawing against Slovakia and I have full confidence we can achieve our target,” he added.
Team Kenya lost 1-5 to host Germany in the basketball at Alexanderplatz Park. The team is pepped by the attendance of Second Lady Dorcas Gachagua, who has been with them in the German city since the start of the World Games on Saturday.
The World Games were founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver to fight for the rights of people with disabilities and seek their acceptance in society. The theme of this year’s tournament is empowering those with intellectual disabilities through sports.
Special Olympics Kenya chairman Thuo Chege also urged the teams to give their best in the games to raise the country’s flag high. “These games have not had such a senior member of government from Kenya attend, spend time and encourage you. Her Excellency (Second Lady Dorcas Gachagua) is here. Give your best in all the games,” said Chege.
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