President William Ruto on Thursday awarded 634 Kenyans during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations, recognizing their distinguished service to the nation.Among the honorees was former Mathare United Chairman and veteran football administrator Bob Munro.Munro, former chairman of Mathare United, received the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) Second Class for his exceptional contributions to Kenyan football.##NAJAVA_MECA_8572246##Munro, a Canadian, founded the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) in 1987, which later led to the establishment of Mathare United Football Club in 1994.MYSA has received significant international recognition, including two Nobel Peace Prize nominations and financial support from the Royal Dutch Football Association and the Norwegian Strømme Foundation.The organization won the UNEP Global 500 Award for environmental innovation in 1999, the CAF/African Youth Development Award in 2001, the Prince Claus Award in 2003, and the Laureus Sport for Good Award in 2004.Wanyama identifies key challenges hindering growth of football in KenyaSpecial Olympics Kenyan athletes were among the Kenyans who were also conferred State honours.Special Olympics athlete Purity Kandie was awarded the Head of State Commendation for her outstanding achievements in the Special Olympics, where she won gold and silver in the 50m sprint dash on two editions, the standing long jump, and a first-class model in dancing, which has changed perceptions towards persons with special needs.Ndayiragije declares Police ready to wrestle league title from Gor MahiaVictor Lijembe was also awarded the Head of State Commendation for his unwavering dedication to the Special Olympic movement, where he travels great distances to promote their cause.He is also a member of the outstanding Special Olympic handball and floorball teams and will be heading to Turin next year.
