Kakamega youth leader has asked various stakeholders to support grassroots sporting activities to enhance talent nurturing and growth.
Ian Washika on Monday said the youth are an integral part of society and should therefore be helped to nurture their talents so that they can flourish in future.
Washika noted that while Kakamega is home to several top sportsmen and women in the country, many skilled sporting youths have failed to get a platform to showcase their God-given talents.
As such, he said many have ended up wasting their talents and bright future.
“Job opportunities are scarce in the modern-day world. But talent is an expansive field that if well nurtured will ensure the youth of today succeed tomorrow,” Washika said in a phone interview with the Star.
The youth leader, however, noted that it will be impossible to nurture such talents if stakeholders do not join hands with members of the society to support and organise tournaments and events that empower the youth.
He said there is a need for sponsors to consider grassroots initiatives being spearheaded by elected and non-elected leaders to boost sports.
At the same time, he urged the youth to seize opportunities that come their way and explore their talents to the fullest.
“As an aspiring Senator in Kakamega County, my happiness is to see the youths are empowered. This December 2024, for example, we will be having a football tournament that seeks to empower the youth. It will be a significant boost if relevant stakeholders like betting companies and other institutions join us in this initiative,” he said.
“We have seen them working with some elected leaders, but that is not enough. Partnering with aspiring leaders like us is crucial in uplifting the youth.”
The Ian Washika Super Cup scheduled for December will first feature teams from Matungu, Mumias East and Mumias West.
Through such tournaments, he averred that society will become a better place as youths will not indulge in drugs and substance abuse.
“Sports is also key in enhancing mental and physical fitness. That's what we aim for when organizing these kinds of tournaments. But us alone we cannot manage, That is why we appeal to stakeholders to help us,”’ he said.
