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The Brookside Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) National Term One Games officially kicked off at the Shanzu Teachers Training College, bringing together over 3,000 athletes in a vibrant celebration of youth talent and sportsmanship.
The opening ceremony marked the beginning of a six-day sporting extravaganza that features participants from secondary schools and junior and primary levels, as well as special needs institutions across the country.
Students will compete in various disciplines, including athletics, swimming, hockey, handball, basketball, and adapted sports for learners with special needs.
The Director of Field Coordination of Co-curriculum Activities in the State Department for Basic Education, Nelson Sifuna, said the games aim to bring together various levels of school sports in one city to foster synergy in resource mobilisation and promote structured pathways for talent identification and development.
He further reaffirmed the governmentβs commitment to promoting sports in schools for the benefit of learners and the nation.
In 2023, the Head of State announced that all national school games would be sponsored by a Sports Fund.
βAll our games are being sponsored by the Sports Fund, following that directive of the President,β Sifuna stated.
The Secretary Administration (SA) in the State Department for Basic Education, Florence Amoit, says that the Olympic-style event fosters inclusivity, teamwork, and national unity, noting that it is part of the restructuring the ministry is undertaking to broaden participation among learners in co-curricular activities and promote the nurturing and development of their talents.
βIt is also meant to enhance organisation and management of school sports. The Ministry of Education recognises that every child possesses unique potential and talent that, when nurtured, can significantly contribute to personal growth and national development.β
She reiterated the governmentβs commitment to fostering talent development among the youth, leveraging the competency-based curriculum.
Amoit further stated that Talent Academies are being established across the country to offer specialised training, expert coaching and necessary resources to ensure students excel in sports and arts.
βWe are continuously organising and funding co-curricular activities at the school level, national level and East African level.
We are also expanding opportunities for young people to showcase their talents at African and global competitions,β she said.
Brookside Dairy Limited, the eventβs title sponsor, has invested Sh30 million in this yearβs games. Corporate Communications Manager Wilson Okongβo reaffirmed the companyβs long-term commitment to nurturing young talent.
βWe are looking at continuity and sustainability as key facets of these games. We donβt want the talent to end in term one games,β said Okongβo, adding that they are working with all stakeholders to ensure continuity and to nurture the talents.
He revealed that they have partnered with various federations to scout for the best talents at the games.