Ability Sports Kenya (ASK), a newly established federation, is preparing to make its debut at the upcoming World Ability Sports Beach Games, set to take place from October 18–25 in Mersin, Turkey. This landmark participation marks a significant milestone in the organization’s mission to promote sports among Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kenya.
During a press briefing in Nairobi, ASK president Agnes Oluoch expressed her enthusiasm for the event, noting that this debut is the realization of a long-standing vision to create sporting opportunities for individuals with disabilities. “It has always been my vision to create opportunities for persons with disabilities through sport,” she remarked, underscoring the significance of the event for both the athletes and the federation.
For this first international outing, Ability Sports Kenya will have representatives in two categories: Para Badminton and Para Powerlifting. The federation worked closely with affiliate bodies to select a team of 12 athletes for Para Badminton and 7 for Para Powerlifting, ensuring that the best athletes from across the country would have the opportunity to represent Kenya.
Oluoch highlighted that the team is not just participating but aiming for excellence. “This will be a historic outing, but we are not tourists in Turkey—we are going for gold,” she said confidently, showing that the athletes have high ambitions for the competition.
The Para Badminton team, led by manager Alfred Simiyu Barasa and coached by John Mburu, consists of Ashiley Inyele Autai, Benson Mutiso, Nicholas Keiyo, Japheth Kakai, Caleb Omolo, Petronila Muhani, Bonface Were, Mary Nduku, Newton Gatobu, Patrick Mwema, Martin Gikonyo, and Elizabeth Nabwire. The Para Powerlifting team, under the supervision of loader Justin Onyonka, includes Adala Collins, Sonia Tendai, Joash Otieno, Eugene Batu, Margaret Wamaitha, Merceline Kavumbi, and Lekaja Muraya.
The athletes and officials are set to depart Kenya in two groups, with one group scheduled to leave on Saturday and the second on Sunday morning. Their participation in the World Ability Sports Beach Games is a huge step forward in the inclusivity of sports for persons with disabilities in Kenya, and their performance in Turkey is expected to inspire more athletes and communities across the nation.
