“The only disability in life is a bad attitude” Scott Hamilton
The Story of Matei and Mwaziro.
As Kenya was ushering in a new dawn at the time of independence 52 years ago, a baby boy took in his first breath of life in a desolate house deep in Taita Taveta. Born as a healthy baby, Matei bore the promise of long life full of vigor and resounding success in the eyes of his parents, despite their poverty at the time. However, a missed Polio vaccination appointment sealed his fate to the wheelchair at the tender age of seven.
Matei on his Wheelchair
Mwaziro, outside our Sub County offices.
Exactly 26 years later, a young woman was busy at work with her household chores. Her five-month pregnancy did little to deter her efforts to ensure that her family was well taken care of. In a cruel twist of fate, she slipped and fell on her already bulging belly, totally oblivious of what effect it would have on her unborn baby. Four months later, Mwaziro made his debut on the world stage and grew up as a normal baby would. However, after one year, he missed his walking milestones. A year turned into two, all this time he remained on his fours. After medical intervention, he was diagnosed with Spina bifida, which rendered him unable to use his spine for walking.
Challenging Times
Being disabled can be challenging. People who are not disabled may have a difficult time understanding the plight of those who do. The personal stories of the disabled can offer a refreshing perspective on the meaning of life and the triumph of enduring an entirely new way of living.
Mwachabo Racing Team
An offshoot of Mwachabo Persons with Disability Self Help Group, which is an entity committed in empowering persons living with disability, Mwachabo Racing Team was borne out of the need to spread the spirit of self-reliance amongst people with disability. Based in Mwatate Sub County in Taita Taveta County, the undulating hills of Taita offer the perfect environment for training on wheelchairs due to the sudden change in altitude after a few hundred meters.
With the experience of an elite marathoner, Matei guides his young protégé Mwaziro on how to conquer the harsh Taita Hills at least twice a week. Coupled with the fact that they are instrumental members of Mwachabo Self Help group, Matei and Mwaziro continue to be an inspiration to their members and to the society at large due to their determination and their positive spirit to live.
The Standard Chartered Marathon Dream
Since 2003 on every last Sunday of October, thousands of Kenyans from all walks of life converge in Nairobi to participate in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, which is held to raise funds to support the eradication of avoidable blindness in Kenya. This year, the marathon will be held on October 25th 2015.
Racer line up at the start of the tri-cycle and wheel chair race during the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2010
Perhaps oblivious to many able-bodied Kenyans, the marathon also attracts hundreds of disabled participants who seek to put their mark on the event by wheeling for over 42 kilometres, (in case of the Marathon) which is no mean feat.
Since March, Matei and Mwaziro have been training to participate in the upcoming marathon. To them, it’s not simply about going to Nairobi and having a great time. For them, it’s a mission to pass a simple message to their members back at home:
IT IS POSSIBLE.
Having previously represented the country in the 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Paralympics, Matei is on a personal mission to relive his glory days as he seeks to pass the baton to a younger and more ambitious generation.
In Mwaziro’s case, who is currently a Form 3 student in an adult learning programme in Mwatate and aspires to qualify for university in the next two years, participating in the marathon is a statement of intent in terms of achievement in life for him in the future. Apart from aspiring to be a graduate teacher, he hopes to be the voice of the disabled in the County or National legislature in future.
Want to find out how you can support the Mwachabo Racing Team?
Ways to Support
By supporting Mwachabo Racing Team through your contribution, you will not only be enabling two outstanding individuals fulfill their dream of participating in the Standard Chartered Marathon but also showing your unwavering support in furthering the cause of persons living with disability.
Get in touch with us on 0725 959202. You can download the corporate proposal as well. Mwachabo Team Proposal