Kenya set for global deaf event
Kenya is set to become the first country in East and Central Africa to feature in the World Deaf Football Championships.
Last week, the country through Kenya Sports Federation of the Deaf (KSFD) received an invitation from the championship organisers asking the federation in collaboration with Deaf Football Association of Kenya (DFAK) to prepare national teams for the global showdown.
The 2020 World Deaf Football Championships, being played for the fourth time as a full Deaf Football World Cup Championship, is scheduled to take place at Mokpo-Si, Jeollanam-do, Korea, between November 2 and 17.
Proposal approved
“It is with great pleasure to inform you that our proposal to be the host for the above event has been approved by the International Sports Committee of the Deaf (ICSD).
In regard to this, as the Organising Committee of the fourth WDFC2020, we will be cooperating with Korea Deaf Sports Federation (KDSF), Korea Deaf Football Federation (KDFF) and Korea Disabled Football Federation (KOFAD), supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Jeollanam-do Provincial Office and Mokpo City Hall, would like to cordially invite you, as the qualified team to participant to this event,” read the invitation letter sent to KSFD.
Organisers have promised to arrange the best tournament by including famous attractions and facilities in Mokpo City, volunteers and international sign language interpreters in a bid to ensure, the 2020 Korea World Deaf Football Championships becomes a success.
“We will be sending you more information about the participation fees, travel costs, lodging and other activities as soon as possible.
We, therefore, want to thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. We sincerely look forward to your team’s participation,” added the letter.
DFAK national chairman Stephen Waweru says Kenya is ready to make a mark in the championships if not to lift the global gong.
“We have more than 23 players already selected from our national championship held late last year.
When we hit camp, we will select the best 23 squad for both men and women that will get the chance to challenge for the global title.
This will be a big chance for Kenya to also qualify for the coming deaflympics in Brazil in December,” Waweru told People Sport at the weekend.
Deaf Harambee Stars (men) and Deaf Harambee Starlets (women) will represent Kenya at the global event.
