Vincent Kwarula, A Truly Inspirational Man, Soccer Coach and Humanitarian
Sometimes I am lucky enough to meet people who inspire me. Vincent Kwarula is one of these people. I first met Vincent when he coached my youngest son in soccer several years ago. I knew from the moment I watched Vincent interact with his young players that he was a special man. He has an amazing calmness about him, a gentleness that coexists with a commanding presence and top notch coaching ability and love for the game and his players. Vincent coaches full time, traveling to his teams throughout Westchester, Connecticut, Manhattan and Long Island.
Vincent was born and raised in Kenya and began playing soccer as soon as he learned to walk. Vincent graduated from high school and was continuously recognized for his exceptional soccer talent. He was invited to play for Kenya’s Under 21 National Team, and was soon promoted to the Senior Kenyan National Team –– the Harambee Stars, playing in 2 World Cup qualifying games and being elected as a Captain of the team.
Vincent was the only one out of his 6 brothers and sisters to immigrate to The United states. He made the journey on a soccer scholarship to Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky. During his two years there, Vincent was nominated twice for The All American Team and won two National NAIA championships! Vincent transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he earned his Bachelors of Art degree in 2001.
In addition to giving so much of himself on the soccer field in this country, Vincent continues to give back to his native land of Kenya, which gave him so much. Vincent remembers many times when he considered dropping out of school to relieve his parents of the financial burden of schools supplies, uniforms and tuition.
In order to help other children and families avoid having to make this terrible decision, Vincent provides financial scholarships directly to Kenyan families in need.
In fact, he supports thirty Kenyan children himself. Through his example, Vincent has rallied many friends and admirers to join his mission. This lesson of giving and kindness through direct action is a wonderful example for his 2 sons, Devin who is 7 and Gavin who is 2. Vincent knows none of this would be possible without the love and support of his wife Deon, amazing in her own right.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, Vincent has recently partnered with the Bedford, NY based Not-For-Profit named Orphans’ Heroes, orphansheroes.org to fulfill another of his dreams to bring safe, clean drinking water to the village of Shihalia, Kenya.
Orphans’ Heroes provides care for children who are currently orphaned and also addresses preventative measures such as clean water, health care, and education to stop the progression of more vulnerable children from becoming orphaned. Orphans’ Heroes President Jennifer Millett-Barrett knows Vincent well as her son has been fortunate enough to be coached by Vincent. “I am honored to collaborate with Vincent on these projects to assist in making his dream come true to improve the quality of life for the residents of Shihalia,” said Jennifer.
Construction is underway on an electric water pump and storage facility in the village of Shihalia, Kenya with the support of the Kenyan government. The water pump and storage facility will be completed by the end of this summer. In addition, Vincent hopes to build a health clinic and school to further improve the lives of Shihalia residents.
This rural town of 3,000 people is about 30 miles from Kakamega, the village where his mother and ancestors lived. In this part of Kenya, people rely on small amounts of rainwater and a few small streams for their drinking and bathing water. This water is not suitable for human consumption or bathing, but the people have no choice. Outbreaks of water borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A are all too common there. Vincent has witnessed the suffering of many friends and family members as a result of unclean water. Most recently, his mother suffered a neural infection stemming from a bout of typhoid.
Greg Fleming, President of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and Investment Management said “Sometimes in life, one has the great fortune to meet an individual that is truly exceptional and impactful to those around them. Vincent Kwarula is such a man. My family – all three of my children – are among the many children in our community who benefit from the leadership, guidance and wisdom of Vincent. This fall, he joins the faculty at Rippowam Cisqua School in Bedford, a great development for all the Rippowam Cisqua students.”
I absolutely agree with Greg. Vincent is an inspiration to me. He truly walks the talk.
To sponsor a child from Kenya and/or to support the water pump and school / health clinic project you can donate on line at orphansheroes.org or by sending a check to Orphans’ Heroes, PO Box 333, Bedford Hills, NY 10507.
100% of the money you donate will go to educational scholarships or the water pump or school project.
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.