Lawi Kosgei and Agnes Mumbua Sunday won the 21 kilometer and 10 kilometer race in the first ever, Technology Service Providers of Kenya Autism marathon.
The marathon is Africa’s first which was brought about after the worrying statistics from The Autism Society of Kenya (ASK), a parent-driven organization established in 2013, which estimates that Autism prevalence in Kenya could be up to four percent or one autistic child for every 25 children, which is higher than the global average.
The marathon saw Africa’s fastest runner, Ferdinand Omanyala participate among other elite runners.
Speaking during the final event, Omanyala committed to supporting the cause in the next five annual marathons that TESPOK will spearhead.
“I will support this cause, jointly with other partners to manage Autism conditions in the country, as well as restore dignity of people living with Autism,” he said
The TESPOK Chairman said the importance of rallying everyone to be a hero for autism through creating an understanding and loving environment.
“There are endless myths and misconceptions around people living with autism. This marathon proceeds will go towards educating the public to eliminate the existing stigma through creating acceptance and understanding amongst the affected,” he said
The marathon is set to facilitate autism research to determine the statistics on Autism cases across Kenya, public education campaign which will eliminate existing stigma around autism through creating acceptance and understanding amongst those affected.
TESPOK has committed to lead this initiative for the next five years with a target to ensure that autistic children and adults are included and well- resourced across the country in the near future.
