Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Kipchumba Murkomen has celebrated Samson Opiyo after he earned a silver medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris.

Opiyo made history by winning Kenya’s first medal at the Paris Paralympic Games, securing silver in the men’s T37 long jump.

Samson Opiyo face off

Opiyo faced a competitive field of nine long jumpers, including Viktoras Pentaras of Cyprus, Iranian Ali Olfatnia, Brian Lionel Impellizzeri of Argentina, and Ukrainian Vladyslav Zahrebelnyi.

Impellizzeri won the gold medal, while Evangelista Cardoso finished third to claim the bronze.

Murkomen remarked that the Paralympics serve as proof that individuals can rise above any limitations and realize their full potential in life.

“The Paralympics, more than any other competition, is proof that anyone, regardless of their situation, has the inherent ability to rise above any apparent limitations and realize their full potential in life,” Murkomen posted.

He extended his congratulations and revealed that efforts would be made to create an environment where sports personalities can thrive.

“Tonight, we celebrate Samson Opiyo for winning silver in the long jump T37—our first medal in the ongoing Paralympic Games in Paris. Kudos, Samson! We are committed to creating an environment where our sportsmen and sportswomen in all disciplines can thrive,” he stated.

Kenya has now registered one medal and is ranked 60th on the medals table, which is led by China.

Paris 2024 Paralympics

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the 17th Summer Paralympic Games, is an international multi-sport parasports event governed by the International Paralympic Committee, being held in Paris, France, from August 28 to September 8, 2024.

These games mark the first time Paris is hosting the Summer Paralympics and the second time that France is hosting the Paralympic Games, with Tignes and Albertville jointly hosting the 1992 Winter Paralympics. France also hosted the Olympics of 2024.