Ability Sports Kenya hold trials to pick team for Wheelchair Fencing World Cup

This will mark the first time that Kenya will send a wheelchair fencing team to an international event, a milestone that underscores the growing commitment to inclusivity in sports.

The final squad is expected to comprise 18 to 19 athletes.

Speaking during the trials, the President of Ability Sports Kenya Agnes Oluoch, expressed her pride at the developments while also calling for increased government support.

“Fencing is quite an expensive sport, especially when it comes to gear and specialized wheelchairs. We are grateful for the progress so far, but we hope the government continues to support us as,” she said.

Agnes emphasized that the Thailand tournament is an opportunity not just to participate but to compete for medals.

She also noted the importance of training camps for athletes with disabilities, stressing that structured support would help sharpen their skills and boost confidence on the international stage.

“We are hoping this time round we will have a training camp, which will help us do well when we get there,” she remarked.

Wheelchair fencing coach Vivian Akoth resonated with these sentiments while also assessing the team’s readiness.

“The athletes are training hard; they have grasped the basics but their techniques are still not okay,” Akoth commented.

The coach encouraged investing more on fencing, stating that it is a sport that was poised to make a splash in Kenya.

“The team still has a long way to go, yet the progress is encouraging. Fencing is a sport that is still growing in Kenya and we are working on it,” she explained.

The Thailand Championships will be a test of both skill and resilience for Kenya’s newly formed team.

With determination and the right support, officials and athletes alike believe the squad has the potential to make history and return home with medals.