Congratulations to Rio 2016 Olympic Women’s Marathon Champion Jemima Sumgong

The National Gender and Equality Commission salutes Olympic Women’s Marathon Champion Jemima Sumgong for bagging the ultimate Gold Medal at the Rio 2016 games. Sumgong’s win is as remarkable as it is symbolic given that this is the first time in the country’s impeccable record in athletics that a woman has bagged the coveted Gold Medal in the Marathon.

The Commission recognizes the uniting power of sports by bringing people together across borders, cultures and belief systems. We believe that participation of girls and women in sports leads to greater achievement in higher education and employment. Jemimah’s performance is therefore testimony to resilience of the Kenyan women and determination to excel in various fields.

More women are pursuing their dreams with dignity and determination with great success. This change requires the unity of partnerships and the boldness of people with a clear vision. We must allow the freedom to excel without discrimination. Accordingly we wish to urge Kenyan girls and women to seek inspiration from the athlete’s stellar performance to succeed beyond the sports sector into social, economic and political spheres for sustainable development.

We congratulate our national team in Rio for flying the country’s flag high and wish them resounding success in the various games they are participating in.

SIGNED

WINFRED O. LICHUMA EBS,

CHAIRPERSON

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