Nakuru’s Wesley Kennedy Adede wins top award in the Kenya para boxing tournament

Nakuru’s Wesley Kennedy Adede emerged as one of the standout athletes at the Kenya Adaptive Paraboxing Federation (KAPBF) Tournament held in Nairobi, after clinching the Best Player of the Tournament award and winning the 67kgs category. 

‎‎The victory marked a major milestone for Adede, who not only topped his weight class but also announced his arrival on the national para boxing scene in emphatic fashion.

‎‎Notably, the Nairobi tournament was Adede’s first-ever competitive outing, where he went on to defeat Ryan Otieno. Reflecting on the achievement, Adede described the win as a surreal moment, especially considering that he was competing against boxers with up to four years of experience in the sport. 

‎‎“Having participated and won, it was an exciting experience, despite the challenge of trying to balance the wheelchair since I am used to using a seat while training,” he says.

‎‎Furthermore, Adede adds that the victory reaffirmed his belief in his own potential and the goals he has set for himself. He expressed hope that his journey would serve as motivation to other persons with disabilities, encouraging them to believe that they too can achieve great things despite the challenges they may face. 

‎‎Looking ahead, Adede said he is eager to participate in international competitions and dreams of representing Kenya at the Para-Olympic Games.

‎‎Meanwhile, his coach, Camlus Juma, praised Adede’s determination and rapid progress, noting that he is one of three para boxers currently training at his club. 

‎‎However, Juma reveals that financial constraints limited the team’s participation at the Nairobi event, forcing him to travel with only one athlete. 

‎“Finances are the biggest challenge we are facing, but we hope to continue growing the sport and inspire more persons with disabilities to join para boxing,” Juma says.

‎‎Juma further explains that the competition was held outdoors due to the lack of a portable boxing ring, adding that coaches had to physically hold the wheelchairs during bouts to prevent boxers from falling. 

‎‎Despite these challenges, he notes that efforts are underway to ensure that Nakuru-based para boxers receive more exposure and opportunities to compete at the international level.

‎‎Adede’s journey into boxing began just last November, when he first rolled into a gym in Nakuru. His path to the sport followed a life-altering incident in class seven, when he lost his leg after being hit by a stray bullet during a demonstration. 

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