In 2010, a special volleyball team dubbed Nakuru para-volleyball team was established in Nakuru to nurture talents among those living with disabilities.

The team plays while sitting on the ground, due to their physical challenges hence explaining why it has been christened ‘Nakuru sitting volleyball team,’ by locals in Nakuru county.

In addition, their play court is different. For instance, the volleyball net is lowered to a level that the players can reach during the game.

Mtaa Wangu has visited the team on several occasions during their training at Afraha Stadium and currently at a well carpeted private field just behind Nakuru Athletics Club (NAC).

Fred Omondi, who is in his late 30s, and a father of three has been a member of the Nakuru Para-Volleyball team for the last 10 years.

To him, apart from the physical challenges, the team is just like any other volleyball team in the country.

“It is only that we play while sitting,” says Omondi.

In the last decade, the team has been able to achieve a lot among them inclusion of the Nakuru Para-volleyball team into the national team.

The team has continued to record good performance in various tournaments within and without Nakuru.

A member of Nakuru para volleyball team trains at their designated field behind NAC.

Photo credit: COURTESY

For instance, in August 2022, when Nakuru hosted the para-volleyball tournament, Nakuru men’s team emerged winners while the women’s team was number two and came back with trophies.

In December 2022 when Meru County hosted the Para-Volleyball tournament, Nakuru Para-Volleyball ladies’ team emerged winners.

Despite the above achievements, the team that has made Nakuru proud continues to face numerous challenges.

According to the coach Ms Florence Ofwenje, though the County Government through the directorate of sports has tried, there is need for more support towards the team.

“We have no donor and this has continued to de-motivate my team members,” says Ms Ofwenje.

Her wish is for well-wishers to step in and ensure that the welfare of the team, including uniforms and volleyball kit, is looked into.

pmambili@gmail.com

What you should know about Nakuru's sitting volleyball team

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Pristone Mambili