Africa under 20 10,000m Race Walk champion Dominic Ndigiti and Wimbledon Doubles champion Angela Okutoyi will be among top sportsmen and women that will be feted on Mashujaa Day tomorrow at Uhuru Gardens.
Ndigiti who won bronze at the 2017 World under 18 10,000m bronze said that he was a happy man when the state recognized his efforts, representing the country on track in various championships.
“This is one thing that I did not expect in my career now that I have just transited into senior ranks in my walk career,” said the Nyamira based walker.
He said that his recognition is giving sportsmen and women morale support in their career, be it in football, athletics, rugby among other sports disciplines across the country.
“I have never had such an opportunity in my career now that my career has started shining in recent days. As an athlete, I want to tell the state that it is something good not just for me but to all people involved in sports and it is a clear motivation,” said Ndigiti.
He said that he was happy when he received a call and a message last month that he was one of the sportsmen and women to grace the national holiday.
The final message wrote: “My name is Dianah Injendi from the National Heroes Council in the ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage. We are pleased to inform you that you have been successfully nominated as a hero ahead of Mashujaa Day 2022. Kindly avail yourself at National Archives building in Nairobi on 19th October between 10am-4pm to 21st for the event.”
“There is nothing as good as your efforts being recognized by the state. It is a wakeup call for me and others who will be at the national event to motivate others to continue doing good in their sporting career and one day, they will be seen,” he added.
Initially, he only thought that the prizes and national celebrations are meant for politicians and urged county governments to emulate the national government in doing such events locally.
“The County governments should also celebrate their sportsmen and women for their hard work to promote not just the nation but the county at large,” he added.
Okutoyi is among 230 individuals invited by the National Heroes Council to grace the annual celebrations.
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