I am pleased to send this congratulatory message through you to the entire Kenyan team to the 18th Commonwealth Games following their sterling performance in Melbourne, Australia. Indeed, it was a great joy to see the Kenyan flag flown high on several occasions during the just concluded games.

By wining six gold, five silver and seven bronze medals to finish in the 10th position, the Kenyan team to the Commonwealth Games have vindicated Kenya's reputation of being among the most competitive nations in sports, and especially in athletics.

During the last Commonwealth Games, which were held four years ago in Manchester City in the United Kingdom, our athletes won 4 Gold, 8 Silver and 4 Bronze medals. The performance of our team this time round has, therefore, witnessed an improvement and I remain confident that this same spirit will be witnessed in other upcoming events.

I am optimistic that our team will continue to improve year after year. Indeed, I challenge our athletes to maintain the same determination, hard work and commitment that have become the hallmark of our sportsmen and a source of inspiration to athletes not only in Kenya but the world over.

I also take this opportunity to congratulate the entire management team for the remarkable work that has been done in preparing the team for the Games. I urge the management team to maintain the same professional standards and dedication.

I am aware that the 5,000 gold medallist, Augustine Choge, bronze medallist, Benjamin Limo, women's 5,000m champion, Isabella Ochichi and 10,000m silver medallist, Evelyn Wambui, will be proceeding to Fukuoka, Japan, for the World Cross Country Championships. I take this opportunity to wish them great success in the Championships.

Once again, I congratulate the Kenyan team and wish to pledge the commitment of my Government to supporting our sports men and women to ensure that our flag continues to fly high in world sporting events.

Mwai Kibaki, C.G.H., M.P.
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA

27th March 2006