The government through the Kenya Sports Federation for the Deaf has trimmed athletes set to compete at the Deaflympic Games next month in Tokyo, Japan.
In a letter sent to various federations for the deaf, Team Kenya Deaflympics CEO said that some teams had to be dropped due to the financial constraints.
He wrote: Notice to Deaf Sports Community “We regret to inform the Deaf Community that due to the budgetary Constraints, the Team Kenya Deaflympics management Committee has resolved to scale down the number of teams participating in the forthcoming 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan.
After careful deliberation, the following disciplines have been dropped from participation: football, cycling, bowling, table tennis, lawn tennis, badminton, and volleyball.
The disciplines that will represent Team Kenya at the Deaflympics are: athletics, basketball, golf, handball and swimming.
The committee came up with the following criteria that guided their decision:
- Performance in previous Deaflympic Games
- Performance in the previous world championships.
The decision was made with great difficult and after considering available resources, logistical requirements and the need to ensure quality preparations and performance for the remaining teams.
We extend our appreciation to all athletes and officials who have been part of the journey and assure the entire Deaf Sporting fraternity of our continued commitments to promoting and supporting deaf sports development in Kenya.