Kenyan para athletes
Global cultural moments, such as the Paralympics, have the ability to amplify inclusion outside of sport. The Global Disability Innovation Hub itself is a legacy of London 2012 – and as part of our AT2030 programme funded by UK International Development we have continued to explore how sport and culture can unite visionary leadership and innovative thinking to change lives and drive impact globally.
We know that Assistive Technologies support diverse participation, but that inclusion is founded in disability awareness and the reduction of stigma. To accelerate change we need greater awareness and visibility of Para sport, with dissemination an important priority in Low- and Middle- Income Countries.
Alongside Paris 2024 we explored innovative mechanisms to amplify para sport activities and drive change. Working alongside Kenyan athletes and the youth movement and award-winning media house Shujaaz – we were able to reach new audiences with the aim of dismantling stereotypes and sharing first person narratives of entrepreneurship, sporting achievement and community participation. Thought the narrative of successful para-athletes we have looked to spark youth interest to expanding the pipeline of future sporting talent.
A vivid illustration of these efforts can be seen in the experiences of two Kenyan para-athletes who competed on the international stage at Paris 2024 – and were part of the team that ensured Kenya’s most decorated Paralympic team since 2008 Beijing. Samson Ojuka a long-jumper and sprinter.
Here are the stories of the two para athletes.
