SEVENTEEN clubs are expected to grace the inaugural Laikipia Aquatics Swimming Championship on September 28.
The event, sanctioned by the Kenya Swimming Federation, will see top and upcoming swimmers compete ahead of the National Championship in Mombasa next month.
The event has drawn a host of top-tier teams and rising stars from across the region. They include Golden Dolphins, St. Christopher’s School, Millbrook International School, Karatina University, Dedan Kimathi University, Gold Fish and Nyahururu Elite,
Others are Moi Nyeri Complex, Braeburn, Melvin Jones Nakuru, Ripples International School, Isiolo Sharks, Meru Aquatics, Muga Academy, Mt. Kenya Swimming Club and Nanyuki High School.
Coach Saumu Ally expressed her excitement about the event’s significance for regional swimming development.
“We are grateful for the immense support from the national federation, the Mt. Kenya Aquatics Bloc and our neighbouring counties. This event is a testament to the growth of swimming in Laikipia and the surrounding regions,” Ally remarked.
“We are working with sponsors and partners to develop the swimming talent here and also support our neighbours in Isiolo to build strong swimming structures.
"With three ASCA Level 4 coaches in Laikipia, we are confident the next Olympians could also emerge from this region,” said Ally.
Ally said she can't wait for the two-day championship. “The swimmers have been training intensively for the event and I expect to see meet records being broken and healthy competition amongst other participating teams."
St. Christopher’s School is fully prepared to host the event in its world-class facility, which meets international standards.
The school's head of the sports department, Martin Ngari, said: “It's a privilege to host the Laikipia Aquatics Championship in one of the few pools in the region that meets World Aquatics standards."
"This meet offers teams a crucial opportunity to qualify for the national championships in Mombasa. We hope to see our best swimmers obtaining exemplary times and get selected for the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Championship in Bujumbura, Burundi, later this year,” added Ngari
