体坛英语新闻：Kenya honors sports heroes

NAIROBI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Sports personalities led by the captain of the Kenyan team to the London 2012 Olympics, David Rudisha, were honored as the country celebrated its second Mashujaa (Heroes) Day on Saturday.

In his address to the nation, Kenya's President, Mwai Kibaki, paid homage to the achievements in the field of sport with special mention to the Olympic and world 800m record holder Rudisha.

"During the recently concluded Olympics and Paralympics Games held in London, our athletes won a total of four gold, six silver and seven bronze medals. We commend them for their work and commitment.

"Moreover, I congratulate the captain of our Olympics team, David Rudisha as well as Samuel Muchai and Abraham Tarbei for winning gold medals and breaking world records," Kibaki said in his speech.

Muchai and Tarbei set world records at the Paralympics Games while Rudisha broke his own benchmark of 1:41:01 when he ran 1:40.91 in a glittering individual performance that was hailed as one of the signature acts on the London Olympics track and field roster.

"Our athletes have been some of our most effective ambassadors. They have carried Kenya's good name to all parts of the world. When we hear our national anthem played in different parts of the world, this gives us great pride as Kenyans," he said.

"In the world of sports, Kenyans are proud of our athletes who continue to bring us glory in various competitions around the world," the Head of State told the nation.

During the colorful cerebrations of the national holiday previously known as Kenyatta Day that renamed Mashujaa in 2010, decorated retired athletes formed part of the dazzling parade at the fete held in Nairobi.

Among them were 1988 Olympic champion and five-time World Cross champion, John Ngugi, Robert Ouko and Charles Asati who were in the 4X400m relay quartet that won gold at the 1972 Munich Olympics Games, Rose Tata Muya and 1987 World marathon titleholder, Douglas Wakiihuri.

The sports personalities later joined other former and current national heroes at a reception at the seat of government, State House Nairobi where they were hosted by President Kibaki to a reception.