Deaf athletes follow proceedings during an anti-doping rule violation awareness session in Nairobi/HANDOUTThe Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has completed a four-day sensitisation programme for athletes and officials set to represent Kenya at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics.
The training, aimed at ensuring athletes compete clean, was held ahead of the Games scheduled from November 15 to 26.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Sports and ADAK, received praise from the athletes.
Team Kenya captain Isaac Atima, who will compete in the 400m and 400m hurdles, said the training had equipped them with knowledge of prohibited substances to avoid to prevent sanctions. He encouraged fellow athletes to adhere strictly to the regulations to protect their careers.
“This training has helped us understand what substances to avoid. We have been trained thoroughly, and I believe that as an athlete, I need to run clean and focus on my training without using substances that are not beneficial,” Atima stated.
Team Kenya will compete in five disciplines in Tokyo: athletics, swimming, golf, women’s basketball, and men’s handball.
The anti-doping workshop began on Monday with a two-day session for teams and federation officials at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi.
Co-captain Linet Nanjala also welcomed the training, admitting that previously she was unaware of anti-doping protocols.
“Now that I am aware because of the training, I would like to encourage my team members to ensure we compete clean and win medals the right way,” she said.
Kenya Deaf Athletics coach Samuel Kibet praised the training, noting its significance in preserving Kenya’s good reputation in deaf athletics.
“As we all know, our country has been greatly affected by doping issues. Thankfully, we have never had such problems in the Deaf Athletics Team,” Kibet said.
“We hope that after this session, the athletes will be more informed than before. Safeguarding our sports starts with awareness, so we thank the ADAK team for visiting us.”
Veteran sprinter Beryl Wamira added that the training had enhanced her understanding of anti-doping rules and the awareness of prohibited substances for athletes.
