Paris Olympics: We Will Not Disappoint Kenyans – Malkia Strikers Captain Trizah Atuka
Malkia Strikers captain Trizah Atuka (red dyed hair) during CFAO Mobility Kenya partnership with the National Olympics Committee of Kenya in Nairobi on Monday in preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics. PHOTO/ NOC-K
NAIROBI, Kenya- The Paris 2024 Olympics is just around the corner and many first timers can not wait to step on France soil to partake in the global championships slated for July 26- August 11.
One of the elated debutants in the Summer Games is the national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers, captain Trizah Atuka who can not keep calm.
Atuka is excited to be in the Team Kenya squad that will ply trade in Paris. She says this lofty achievement means a lot to her, especially as a player who has battled various challenges in volleyball including a life threatening injury to be finally on the travelling list.
“I feel excited, it feels good to know I will finally be an Olympian, I’m proud and thrilled to be there as playing in the Olympics is the highest level accolade any player would ever dream of. I look forward to being guided by the rest of the squad that was in Tokyo (Olympics ) that gave them experience,” Atuka told Standard Sports.
The Kenya Pipeline middle blocker was speaking in Nairobi on Monday at a function where motor vehicle dealers CFAO Mobility Kenya unveiled sponsorship to Team Kenya ahead of the Paris Olympics.
The support included 2 – 37-seater Mercedes Buses, 2 Toyota Hilux Pick-Ups, 1 VolksWagen Tiguan, and 1 Suzuki Grand Vitara which will be used to
facilitate Team Kenya’s movements and logistics at the ongoing camp in Kasarani, Nairobi.
Asked about their target (volleyball ) in Paris, Atuka reiterated that Malkia Strikers are not going to let Kenyans down.
” The team is going to pick from where it left in Japan, so the goal is to register an impressive performance and be able to leave Paris with our heads held high. We will make Kenya proud,” she underscored.
At the ongoing camp at Kasarani, Atuka says they are dwelling and improving on the game’s basics such as receptions, services and defence which are key to any side looking forward to conquering the Olympics.
“The training is very much smooth, the players are in good moods and we are getting total support from the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K).
” Our volleyball squad is a blend of experience and young players, this is helping with transitions in the team (Malkia Strikers ) as those who have graced the World Championships and the previous Olympics are helping to impart knowledge on the upcoming players,” Atuka explained.
While thanking CFAO Mobility Kenya for sponsoring Team Kenya ahead of Paris, Atuka said: ” We are grateful, this support is going to help us with swift preparations for the Olympics, it’s a step in the right direction.”
Team Kenya technicals and the athletes will use the vehicles availed by the CFAO for their training needs, transport around the country as well as airport transfers before and during the Olympics.
“We are incredibly proud to support the 2024 Kenya Olympic team as they prepare to compete on the world stage. The Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement and embody the values of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. These are the same principles that drive our pursuit to creating the next generation of athletic stars,” CFAO Mobility Kenya Managing Director Arvinder Reel noted during the handing over ceremony.
While hailing the sponsorship deal with the car dealers, NOC-K President, Paul Tergat noted:
“We are thrilled to partner with CFAO Mobility.The vehicles will be instrumental for athletes, delegates, and stakeholders as we prepare rigorously for the Olympics in Paris. This partnership underscores the crucial role of corporate support for our sportsmen and women. This sponsorship is more than just a commitment; it is a celebration of the synergy between elite athletic performance and the dedication to the contribution to the success of our national team.”
Athletics Kenya recently announced the lineup for Kenya’s representation at the global event, featuring Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, leading the charge in the 100m sprint. Zablon Ekwam will compete in the men’s 400m, while Faith Kipyegon will represent in the 1500m category. Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge will tackle the 42km distance, joined by Reynold Cheruiyot and Timothy Cheruiyot among other notable athletes.
Kenya’s men’s steeplechase squad for Paris 2024 Olympics
-Amos Serem
-Simon Koech
-Abraham Kibiwott
