Kenya united behind Olympic starsBy AYUMBA AYODI in Nairobi | Thursday, June 28  2012 at  16:26

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has implored the country’s Olympics bound athletes to go for nothing short of medal haul in London.

In his address to the four national teams headed for various international assignments, President Kibaki said even though qualifying for the Games was challenging, competing and winning medals for the country would be even tougher.

The teams that received the President’s blessings were the Olympic Games contingent, and the teams to the London Paralympic Games, World Junior Championships and World Deaf Athletics Championships.

“I congratulate you for getting this far and we are confident that you will bring many medals at the end of the game,” President Kibaki told the 185 athletes.

“I urge you to go for it and bring us that success.”

President Kibaki challenged the athletes to emulate those who had been there before and put the country in the international limelight.

God’s blessings

“Performing well at the Olympics and Paralympics and Deaf Games earns you a place in sports history, which can never be erased.

“You will get fame and glory for both yourself and Kenya; besides you will be rewarded handsomely by the games organisers, the government, corporate organisations and individuals,” said President Kibaki.

He also received the “Team Kenya” competition kit from the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) chairman, former Olympic champion Kipchoge Keino.

The London Olympic Games will be held from July 27 to August 12 before the Paralympics take centre stage from August 29 to September 9.

The World Junior Championships run from July 10 to 15 in Barcelona, Spain while the World Deaf Athletics Championships are due July 12 to 22 in Toronto, Canada.

“I wish you all God’s blessings and care. We send you out as champions.

“Bring our nation the glory because we are looking forward to a good medal tally,” Kibaki added.