Resilient Sile is exuding confidence ahead of her maiden C’wealth Games

Para athlete Nelly Sile is oozing with confidence ahead of making her debut at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham later this month.

Sile who did not expect to be included in the team and terms it as a surprise, will be taking part in the shot put competition which is classified under the F55 category of athletics field events. 

“My selection in this team is like a miracle. I never expected to be in the team and be training for the Commonwealth Games at this particular time, but it’s like a dream come true,” said Nelly at her training base in Kasarani.

She added: “ The mood and experience I’ve heard in the camp is good. The camp has enabled me to prepare fully and I’m focused in training because at times we suffer in non-residential training. Commuting daily is not easy at all.”

The facilities offered at the Kasarani stadium that also has a well-equipped gym are sufficient to prepare for the games according to athletes currently in camp.

“We usually have a lot of challenges with training venues. At times you have the money but there are no facilities available,” she told People Sport.

This will be Sile’s first major championship since taking up para sports.

She said: “I have really wished for the big championships, but I have never participated in any. I now see this as a blessing from God and will ensure that I work hard to be on the podium.”

She says she has seen a lot of improvement in her performance and is confident she will make an impact at the Games.

“I have a very good coach that is with me all the time in training. Whenever I need help, she is there, and this camp has come through very well because we are learning every day. There are things we didn’t know because disabilities are different,” she observed.