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The dynamic domain of the sporting realm allows people to bond with each other, even with their counterparts, in magical ways. It’s a universal truth that sportsmanship and athleticism go a long way. Along similar lines, two Kenyan beach volleyball icons didn’t know how far their small gesture would go. In fact, they never imagined it would bring back huge joy two years after their deed.

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US Olympian Sarah Sponcil recently visited Kenya as part of her role as an ambassador for US-based Christian charitable organisation World Concern. Interestingly, social media post showcased a video clip where Sponcil unveiled her reason for choosing Kenya as the first destination. In fact, the beach volleyball star also said that she became even more sure of her decision after her arrival in Kenya.

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Sarah Sponcil narrates her tale of love and joy during Tokyo Olympics

American beach volleyball star Sarah Sponcil recently entered a long-term partnership with Christian charitable outfit World Concern. Sponcil joined hands with the organization to help fight poverty across the globe. USA Beach Volleyball tweeted a video where the 27-year-old revealed why she started her campaign with the body in Kenya.

The tweet carried the caption, “One bracelet and kindness at the Olympics inspired Olympian @SSponcil to partner with @worldconcern and Kenyan Beach National Team members Gaudencia Makokha and Brackcides Agala to provide aid and volleyball equipment to youth in Kenya.” 

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The video attached carried glimpses of the trio of Sponcil, Agala, and Makokha as they interacted together and were spotted with young Kenyan beach volleyball players.

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Interestingly, the credit for this heartfelt chain of events goes to bracelets of friendship that the Kenyan duo gave to Sponcil and Kelly Claes after their Tokyo Olympics match. This really touched the heart of Sarah Sponcil who didn’t forget about the sweet gesture of sporting spirit. Especially since the Kenyan players gifted the American players the bracelets as a parting gift despite losing the match against them.

Forming a core memory during an unforgettable beach volleyball match

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Sarah Sponcil and her former teammate Kelly Claes entered the 2021 Tokyo Olympics as America’s youngest beach volleyball duo. Facing Kenya’s Brackides Agala and Gaudencia Makokha, Sponcil didn’t know she would be so touched by a small gesture from her opponents. The young volleyball player said she received the same energy from Makokha and Agala when she arrived in Kenya.

The beach volleyball Olympian said that she felt like she was being welcomed by her best friends in Kenya. Speaking in an interview, Sponcil also mentioned, “When I was appointed World Concern’s ambassador, I thought of Agala and Makokha’s kindness.” She also revealed that she now wishes to get to know them more while working toward a noble goal. 

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The trio will spread awareness about the charitable campaign and operate dedicated beach volleyball clinics across schools. For now, they’ll focus their efforts on schools in Nairobi and Norak. While it is said that charity begins at home, this small endeavor shows that it can also begin where one feels like they’re home, don’t you agree?

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Ankit Singh

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Ankit Singh is a senior Olympic Sports correspondent at EssentiallySports who covers gymnastics, track and field, and the NCAA Women's Division 1 Volleyball. In his early days at ES, Ankit covered two prime track and field events - the 2023 World Athletics Championships and the 2023 Prefontaine Classic. During the 2023 NCAA Division 1 women’s Volleyball championships, Ankit covered the Nebraska Huskers and the Wisconsin Badgers rivalry, and later covered the transfer portals after the Texas Longhorns lifted the victory. A basketball player himself, Ankit clinched a silver medal in the divisional-level championships and continues to bring the same thrill to his written content. Find more about Ankit on:-

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Purva Jain

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