Kenya's national Paralympics team has received a timely morale and performance boost ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) donated high-quality training shoes to athletes preparing for the global competition.

The shoes, distributed at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, were donated by Japanese marathon runner and philanthropist Chiaki Morikawa through her Tokyo-based organization, Wayz Running, in partnership with SJAK.

The initiative is aimed at supporting underprivileged Kenyan athletes by providing quality footwear to enhance training and reduce the challenges many face due to limited resources.

SJAK President James Waindi said the donation is part of the association's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which was launched last year to support athletes beyond media coverage.

"We introduced our CSR programme last year, and this time we identified the national para athletes and powerlifters currently in residential camp preparing for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games as beneficiaries," Waindi said.

"These are high-quality training shoes that will go a long way in helping the athletes prepare well and achieve their dreams."

A Small Gift Making a Big Difference

For many athletes in camp, the donation is more than just a pair of shoes—it is a sign that their efforts and sacrifices are being recognized.

National Paralympics sprinter Neema Stency, who will represent Kenya in the 100 metres at the Glasgow Games, described the donation as a major boost to her preparations.

"I am so happy for this donation because these shoes will make a big impact on my training. They are of very good quality and exactly what we need for training," she said.

The team's General Manager, Bhaveet Chudasama, echoed the sentiment, saying the donation has lifted the athletes' spirits as they intensify preparations for the Games.

"The athletes are highly motivated, and this support will greatly improve their training ahead of Glasgow," he said.

A Mission Inspired by Barefoot Training

Morikawa said the idea behind the project came after witnessing one of her teammates in Japan training without proper footwear.

"The reason I started this donation project is because one of my teammates was training barefoot," she said.

"Seeing that inspired me to help Kenyan children and athletes become better competitors. I believe that with proper shoes, many athletes can move closer to achieving their dreams, and I am happy to be part of that journey."

Through Wayz Running, Morikawa has been supporting athletes with training and competition shoes while also promoting access to physiotherapy and other athlete welfare programmes.

A Longstanding Bond with Kenya

The 38-year-old marathoner has built close friendships with several Kenyan athletes over the years, including marathon star Rosemary Monica Wanjiru, winner of the 2025 Berlin Marathon and the 2023 Tokyo Marathon.

Although she stepped back from full-time competition in 2018 to focus more on philanthropy and community service, Morikawa continues to compete in events ranging from the 1,500 metres to the marathon while championing athlete development.

Eyes on Glasgow

Kenya's Paralympics team is currently in residential training camp ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.

As the athletes chase medals on the international stage, the donation serves as a reminder that success is often built not only through talent and determination, but also through acts of generosity that help level the playing field.

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