*Undated
The Kenyan swimming team will finally travel to Uganda for the African Swimming Confederation (CANA) Zone 3 Championship starting on Thursday December 8th in Kampala.
Nairobi County Swimming Association secretary, Kenneth Karani, said 30 swimmers will pay from their pockets after the government failed to fund the team due to wrangles and court cases within the sport.
The team departs today for the five-day championship. “It's been a hectic five days raising money from the parents and I am glad we will finally leave on Tuesday for the event. The swimmers are excited that they will feature in the event after months of hard work, ” said Karani.
Karani said it was disheartening that swimmers from poor backgrounds will miss out on the championship due to the wrangles in the sport.
"It's very sad to see the sport going down due to poor administration. Now we are staring at a ban from FINA due to wrangles and poor leadership,” he noted.
Despite the challenges, Karani said the swimmers are relishing the challenge of competing against their peers from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, and Egypt.
“It's not been easy but they have trained and we are looking forward to competing and making the country proud despite the challenges,” Karani noted.
Team:
Boys U-12; Bayusuf Igbaal, Khuweylid Khunays, Joel Nyakundi, Victor Oketch, Thuranira Nael
15 -16 yrs: Samir Bachelani, Abdul Bagha, Bashir Ishaq
Boys 14 and under: Matimu Nathan
13-14 yrs: Kioko Jesse, Matimu Nathan
15-16yrs: Bachelani Samir, Abdul Bagha, Bashir Ishaq, Haniel Kudwoli, Onyach Jesse
17 and over: Tabuka Bifwoli, and Stephen Nyoike.
Girls Under 12: Alala Marion, Nina Irangi, Elaine Irungu, Macrine Kalombo, Kimberly Kimani, Amana Kingatua, Lindkvist Ruth
14 and under: Alala Marion, Emma Wambui
13-14 years: Caffini Duini, Audrey Chebet, Emma Wambui;
15-16 years: Ameya Rana, Maria Bianchi, Erica Wangechi, Rachel Muriithi
17 and over: Bagha Nuryan Victoria Okumu.