Peter Ruto and Juster Kwamesa will represent Kenya at the 1st Summer Deaflympic Youth Games to be held in Armenia in June 2019.

Kwamesa and Ruto qualified for the Summer Deaflympic Youth Games after emerging winners in the 5000m race in the National Youth Deaf Athletics Championships trials that commenced today (Thursday) at Kasarani Stadium.

Kwamesa, a Bronze medalist in 5000m at the 21^st Summer Deaflympics 2017 clocked 22:08.5 to beat Deonidah Okiga who was second at 22:13.9 followed by Grace Kendagu at 25:30.4.  All the three qualified for the 1^st Summer Deaflympic Youth Games.

Peter Ruto who is new on the track met the cut to the 1^st Summer Deaflympic Youth Games after emerging first at 16:17.0 in the trials held today at Kasarani. He was followed by Kamau Martin at 20:53.8. Kamau will also represent the country in Armania.

“I am very proud to have made it today. The trainings have been had back home in Uasin Gishu since a train without the help of a coach or any professional.  I want to focus on my training for the remaining period to build on my speed. I trust I will do well”, said Peter Ruto, winner 5000m

Nicholas Odiwuor (10:29.7) and Samwel Shengule (11:29.6) also qualified in the 3000m men’s category. Roselida Neita (12:38.3), Ann Wangeci (12:48.0) and Priscah Naibin (12:56.0) also made the mark in the 3000m women category.

Other deaf athletes who cut the tickets to represent the country in Armania include;  800 m women category, Roselyda Meita (2:40.7), Damaris Wangari (2:41.9) and Prisca Naibini (2:43.5). Men category, Nicholas Odiwuor (2:11.3), Samuel Shangule (2:15.5) and William Kariuki (2:17.0)

Kelvin Waithaka (4:09.1), Francis Rondi (4:12.2) and George Waweru  Muthee (4:32.4) in the 1500m senior category. 1500m junior category will be represented by Nicholas Odiwuor (4:32.6) Samwel Shengule (4:39.8) and Ian Kweya (4:50.3). Their female counter include (Roselida Neita (5:37.5) Damaris Wangari (5:47.1) and Priscah Naibin (5:49.1).

“We have had a good start of the championships today  with a number of new names discovered. We are looking forward to even a better closure tomorrow when the likes of Beryl Atieno Wamira will grace the track,” said Benard Banja, Secretary General of DAAK.

The two day event offers a platform for Deaf Athletics Association of Kenya (DAAK) to select a team of 25 athletes to represent Kenya in the 1st Summer Deaflympic Youth Games to be held in Armenia in June 2019.

At the 2017 Deaflympic Games in Turkey, Kenya won 16 medals including 5 gold and was the only African team in the top 10. The team also broke 3 world records in the 1,500m, 3000m Steeplechase and 10,000m men’s races.