North Africa: Okutoyi boosted by the NOC-K before his tour in North Africa
Nairobi — Kenyan tennis sensation Angela Okutoyi has been boosted by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) with plane tickets and kits ahead of her five-week tournament in the three South African countries. North; Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.
All three tournaments will be vital for the 18-year-old junior player as she looks ahead to the thrilling Grand Slam tournaments yet to be played this year; the French Open in May, Wimbledon in June and the US Open later in September.
“We are thrilled to have Angela (Okutoyi) with us today. Her career is on an upward trajectory and we can’t wait to see what more she will achieve. She has an exceptional career ahead of her,” said Humphrey, representing NOC-K athletes. Kayange said.
Okutoyi went on to break down barriers and make history by becoming the second woman in Kenya to play in the Grand Slam after Judy Wakhungu and the first woman in Kenya to win a Junior Grand Slam match.
The reigning 18-and-under African Junior Champion is ranked 57th in the world in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior Rankings with a career high of 53.
“I would like to thank the National Olympic Committee for funding the coach and me with tickets and for fully kitting us out as I head to the tournaments,” said Angela, who has won three ITF World Tennis Tour Junior titles. in 2021.
“My last week will be in Tunisia, I’m very excited but I have a goal. To defend my African championship title. My vision is clear,” she added.
Kayange explained the committee’s focus on athlete support included in NOC-K’s legacy plan.
“NOC-K is looking to diversify sports to increase its representation at Paris 2024 and the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. We are delighted to support and champion Angela through Tennis Kenya.”
On the road to Paris 2024, NOC-K will support individuals and teams to help them qualify and train well for the Games.
Angela will hopefully be among other individual sports athletes to benefit from Olympic Solidarity program athlete scholarships.
The Olympic scholarship will finance his monthly training and competition expenses over the period 2022-2024.