This archive report was first published on 24 July 2021.
On July 24, 2021, officials from the Kurume City Chamber of Commerce paid a courtesy call on the Kenyan Embassy in Tokyo, where they met Ambassador Irina Tabu and Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed.
During the meeting, Kurume City Chamber of Commerce chairman Yasuto Motomura expressed gratitude to Team Kenya for choosing to stay in Kurume, saying, "Kurume City is indebted to Team Kenya for choosing to come and stay with us. We wish them well at the Tokyo Olympics and hope to see you once again."
Responding to the gesture, Sports CS Amina thanked Kurume City business leaders for providing a tranquil environment for Team Kenya to train ahead of the Olympics.
"The people of Kurume enjoyed having the sportsmen and sportswomen of Kenya in their city," Amina said. "I think they felt the Olympics did not just pass them by, but that they were part and parcel of the Olympic journey because of a team from a country that they consider to be an ally and friendly; a country that has had a long relationship with Japan."
Commenting on Kenya's showing during the opening ceremony, Amina said, "It was amazing. Wonderful. We are proud of our heritage that when we dress up according to our heritage. We came out with confidence, happy, and it showed that we have a sprint in our feet and legs and that the rest of the world need to see those sprints."
Ambassador Tabu praised the attitude of Team Kenya, wishing them the best of luck during the 32nd Olympiad.
"We are behind the team and really happy with the way they have applied themselves in training," Amb. Tabu said. "Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has really been difficult for the athletes. However, we have to trust the protocols put in place by the Japanese government and IOC to ensure everyone is safe."
