By Gary Anderson

February 24 - A number of Kenyan Para-athletes are set to miss out on competing at Glasgow 2014 ©Getty Images Despite being allocated 32 spots for Para-sport events at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Kenya will send only 20 athletes to the Scottish city because 12 were not officially classified by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

In order to participate at Glasgow 2014, athletes need to have competed in a number of IPC sanctioned events to gain the requisite classification.

But Team Kenya Chef de Mission Stephen arap Soi revealed that only 20 athletes had been classified, with lawn bowling and shooting having no representation at all during the Games, while a number of spots in athletics and swimming will not be filled.

Speaking outside the offices of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) in Nairobi, Soi laid the blame for the mix-up at the door of the Kenyan National Paralympic Committee (KNPC).

"It will be quite impossible now to try and send athletes abroad to seek classification," said Soi, citing the cost of sending athletes to these events as the main obstacle.

"KNPC knew very well they needed to participate in more events for their athletes to get classified but they kept quiet."

The KNPC has not responded to a request for comment from insidethegames.

Samwel Mushai Kimani was one of five Kenyan athletes to claim a medal at the London 2012 Paralympics ©Getty Images Samwel Mushai Kimani was one of five Kenyan athletes to claim a medal at the London 2012 Paralympics ©Getty Images



While the IPC is not responsible for lawn bowls and cycling, a spokesman told insidethegames that all Para-athletes competing in Glasgow have ample opportunity to ensure they undergo the required classification for the Games and it is down to each NPC to ensure this happens.

"As the international federation for Para-athletics, powerlifting, Para-swimming and shooting Para-sport, the IPC clearly communicated in the qualification guide to all National Paralympic Committees that only classified athletes can compete at the upcoming Commonwealth Games as there will be no classification in Glasgow," said the spokesman.

"Throughout the year, the IPC organises a number of classification opportunities around the world for athletes across the various sports it acts as the international federation for.

"It is the responsibility of each NPC to get their athletes classified and not that of the IPC."

As it stands, Kenya will be represented by 20 Para-athletes at Glasgow 2014, including powerlifters Samson Okuto Abayo, Ali Juma Kuphunza and Flomena Jepkoech, and swimmers Anne Wacuka, Joyce Ndinda, Maina Karanja and Dalmas Otieno.

Eleven athletes will compete in athletic events: Matthew Olum, Jonathan Sum, Caleb Odiyo, Samuel Ngige Kuri, Nelly Chelimo, Nelly Nasimiyu, Anne Ng'endo, Rachel Akoth, Elizabeth Otieno Ogonji, Eunice Adhiambo and Caroline Wanjira.

Cyclists Ireri Maina and Ibrahim Wafula complete the line-up.

Kenya secured six medals at London 2012, including athletics golds for Abraham Tarbei and Samuel Mushai Kimani.

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