July 20th, 2023. Nairobi- It is a busy Saturday morning at the Moi sports centre swimming pool parking lot, over a hundred and fifty pupils from six schools converge for the annual tenth empire skating championship. At the side-lines parents and guardians cheer, as they watch their children courageously, takento the tracks for the six lap races. The days event is true testament of the impact sports has on the overall growth of a child.
‘’ We want to see learners develop different talents from as young as three years. This is what the CBC is emphasizing on, that we nature talent from the school level.’’ Says Mrs Rosina, the chief principal of St. Bakhita kindergarten.
Incorporation of sports education in to the school curriculum teaches individuals values that go a long way beyond their school years. ’What struck me the most is the resilience of the children. There was a lot of falling but you can see them waking up to finish the race. At the end of the day it is not all about becoming number one, it’s about finishing and finishing strong.’’
Discipline, teamwork, courage, resilience are just some of the many virtues a child learns as they interact through various sporting disciplines. ‘’My aim is to be the fastest skater. I like wining because my parents will be happy. I felt like a hero after winning.’’ Said Ephraim Wanyeki, of St Bakhita School.
Leah Atieno, of greater light academy could not hide her joy after winning her race.
‘’ I enjoyed the races. I learned a lot and made new friends. My aim is to compete in
international races.’’
START THEM YOUNG
In yester years sports was seen as a pass time and not necessarily a career. Parents would push their children to study more and discourage engagement in sporting activities. The tide is slowly but surely changing with parents taking the multimillion dollar industry seriously. Nurturing talent however, requires one to start early.
‘’ We had different categories right from under 4. The idea is to give the children a platform to explore their skating talent. We have taken measures to make sure the event is both safe and fun.’’ Says Tenth Empire CEO Issack Muuo. ‘’
CURBING AGE CHEATING
Age Cheating is common place in the African continent. Players backdate their age to gain advantage over their opponents especially in age grade competitions. Age fraud also allows amateur players be marketable and appealing to scouts. Nurturing talent at an early age will not only sharpen the prerequisite skills but also curtail the perennial old age problem in sports.
SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP
Sports and education are interrelated. Sports in academic study are an integral part of the curriculum. Esther Njeri and her sister Ruth Waithera Mbugua are members of the Carson Newman Christian University ladies basketball team the Eagles. Esther Njeri graduated in 2023 with a master’s degree, a course fully paid for by her talent. Ruth on the other hand is persuing Finance at the same university. Their Journey started at Kayole in Nairobi Kenya. Ruth was a form two student at Buruburu girls where her coach recommended her for the famous giants of Africa started by Masai Ujiri the vice-chairman and general manager of the national basketball association Totonto raptors.
But as fate would have it the two ladies found their home at the Newman Christian University where Njeri is serving as an assistant lecturer. At USIU-Africa in Kenya, we meet Lynn Mwangi, a prolific hockey player. After finishing her diploma in sports management at the Kenyatta University where she also played hockey, Lynn was fortunate enough to get a sports scholarship to pursue Journalism. ‘’ 60 per cent of my tuition fee is paid for through sports, while 25 per cent is paid for by work study. My talent has enabled me get quality education at a top university. Without the scholarship I don’t think I would manage to pay for my tuition fee’’
For Lynn and others like her sports is a spring board to a better life. Balancing sports and
education is vital since sports is a short career. ‘’ After hanging my boots I will be able to pursue my career in journalism. It is important for me to do well both on the field and in class.’’
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