President William Ruto made a notable appearance at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday, September 23, to witness the Atlanta Dream's WNBA game against the New York Liberty. His presence was particularly significant as he was there to support Madina Okot, a rising Kenyan basketball star. Accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, and representatives from NBA Africa, President Ruto watched from courtside as the Atlanta Dream secured an 83–65 victory over the New York Liberty.
Madina Okot, who was drafted 13th overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft, made a brief but impactful appearance late in the fourth quarter. She played for 2 minutes and 16 seconds, during which she scored two points and grabbed two rebounds. Her points came from a layup with just 37 seconds left on the clock, contributing to Atlanta's commanding 18-point win. The game was a crucial one for the Dream, as Allisha Gray led the team with 24 points and Naz Hillmon added 16, securing Atlanta the No. 4 seed in the upcoming WNBA playoffs. Meanwhile, the New York Liberty finished the regular season in eighth place.
After the game, President Ruto had the opportunity to meet with Madina Okot. The Kenyan player expressed her gratitude for the President's support, highlighting the importance of his presence for the development of sports in Kenya. "It means a lot to have the President here," Okot remarked, underscoring the significance of such high-level encouragement for Kenyan athletes on the international stage.
President Ruto's visit to the WNBA game coincided with his attendance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is engaging in high-level discussions on behalf of Kenya. His appearance at the basketball game also aligns with Kenya's broader focus on sports development. The country has been investing in sporting infrastructure, nurturing grassroots talent, and creating opportunities for young athletes. Okot's selection in the WNBA Draft and her debut season with the Atlanta Dream have spotlighted Kenyan basketball talent on the global stage, serving as an inspiration for aspiring athletes back home.
This event marks a significant moment in the promotion of sports diplomacy and the potential for sports to bridge international relations, as well as to inspire the next generation of athletes in Kenya.
