Kipipiri Member of Parliament Wanjiku Muhia has called for more inclusion in sporting activities for people with special needs.

Speaking during the trials of Special Olympics Kenya at Nyayo Stadium Nairobi, Muhia noted the importance of sports in driving meaningful change and developing positive self-images for the players.

“As a parent to one of the kids with special needs, I would like to urge fellow parents, guardians, teachers and the entire country not to hide the children at home with such needs. They should be involved in these games so that they can feel a sense of belonging and motivation. No one should be left behind,” Muhia told People Daily Sport.

Muhia also promised to reward each player from Team Kenya that will bring home a gold medal from the Germany capital.

“Through The Wanjiku Muhia foundation, I will reward gold medallists from Team Kenya with Sh 100,000. I wish them well as they prepare for the games next summer,” she added.

The two-day event saw 66 athletes from different disciplines selected to represent Kenya during the 2022 Special Olympics World Summer Games slated for Berlin, Germany from June 17 to 24, 2023. The athletes drawn from athletics, badminton, basketball, handball, football, conventional volleyball, beach volleyball and bocce are scheduled to begin preps for the world duties early next year. Special Olympic Kenya chairperson Thuo Cege is optimistic that the team will mirror their superb performance of 2019 when the games were held in Abu Dhabi.

“We have selected a good team and I can only hope for the best from the players. There is a likelihood that Kenya will top the medal standing amongst African countries. We have about nine months to the event and will intensify our training as we look forward to achieving our set goals.”

In the last edition three years ago, Kenya bagged 25 medals that is 12 gold, 8 silver and 5 bronze.