Business came to a standstill at Rang’ala trading centre along the Kisumu – Busia highway when the local residents turned up in droves to welcome two Rang’ala Boys high school students who took part in the regional school games tournament in Rwanda.
James Ochieng’ and Karl Marx Omondi, the Badminton semifinalists during the games received a heroic welcome from both the school and Rang’ala community that praised them for carrying the Kenyan flag high in the sport that is associated with urbanites.
The duo was carried shoulder high by their colleagues who marched along the Kisumu – Busia highway and the Rang’ala – Siaya road before making a lap of honour at the Rang’ala market.
The form three and four students were later carried to the school compound where a carnival mood was already in the air, with the principal, Lucas Olunja sponsoring a special meal and soft drinks for the entire school community in honour of the finalists.
Their coach Mr. Titus Ogola said that though they were beaten by Ugandan teams in the semifinals, they were committed to ensuring that the trophy comes to Kenya during the next regional championship.
Ogola hailed the students’ commitment to the sport, adding that together with three others, the school had sent five players to the national championships this year.
Karl Marx Omondi and his colleague James Ochieng’ described the tournament as tough but said they learnt from it.
Rang’ala boys’ high school Principal Mr. Lucas Olunja who commended the boys and their coach promised to support the team to achieve their targets.
Olunja called for support from the government and other stakeholders to help grow Badminton and other sports that are considered a preserve of the elite and urbanites.
He said that for his students to reach that level, they had to work hard and together with the school, make a lot of sacrifices.
By Philip Onyango
