Pastor Dorcas Rigathi attended the special games for Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday at the Kasarani Stadium, where she agreed to become the Special Olympics’ patron in the country.
Organized by Special Olympics Kenya, a medical camp where children with eye, ear, limb, lip, and mobility challenges underwent check-ups and received medical assistance was also provided.
Pastor Dorcas also watched a 20 minute Special football tournament with the Persons with Disabilities taking part in the game.
“I am grateful to have watched the matches that have gone on. I could see the joy of those children, the talent that is hidden in them’’. Said Pastor Dorcas.
She added, ‘’as a government, it is for us to make sure that the talent is exposed to the world and that the children in the wards and counties are brought to the fore so they can exploit the potential within them, and we can love on them.”
Chair of Olympics Kenya Thuo Chege requested Her Excellency to become the Patron of the Special Olympics in Kenya, and also pledged the support of the sports body in helping fulfill the vision of the Office of the Spouse of the Deputy President (OSDP).
“I decided to come for these special games to champion the cause of the PWDs. They (the PWDs) may not have a big voice, but I can be their voice. We want to give them the opportunity to travel abroad and showcase their talents and abilities.
“We want our children and their talent to be unearthed, and their potential to be put on a platform where anyone in the world can be able to see them and experience them,” said Pastor Dorcas.
She further urged all Kenyans to support Persons with Disabilities, reminding them that nobody is exempt from disability.
The Office of the Spouse of the Deputy President (OSDP) has prioritized the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities as part of the national agenda of the office, along with the boy child, widows, and orphans.
The International President of Special Olympics, Brian Sheehan, encouraged the growth of sports for people with disabilities and further promised the international sports body’s support in pushing the agenda of empowering them.
“We see the raw emotion and passion from the champions and kindness. We encourage such partnerships with the United Nations and Special Olympics to present this platform,” said Mr. Sheehan.
Mr. Sheehan further commended Pastor Dorcas for creating a national platform for Persons with Disabilities.