Kenyan Under-20 lacrosse squad readies for the World Lacrosse Championship event
In the bustling Mukuru Slums of Kenya, lacrosse has become a beacon of hope for hundreds of underprivileged children. Mwende, a prominent player, asserts that the sport serves as a means of survival for many, offering a glimmer of a better future. However, the team's journey to the World Lacrosse Under-20 Championship in Jeju, South Korea, is fraught with financial hurdles.
Remmy Joshua, the team's coach, is working tirelessly to prepare the Under-20 Men's National team for the upcoming tournament. His hopes are pinned on government support, which could help alleviate the team's financial struggles. Mwende echoes this sentiment, believing that with government and corporate backing, the sport has the potential to change more lives and reach more underprivileged children.
The Kenya Lacrosse Association (KLA) has presented a budget of Sh16 million for the team's trip, but as of now, they are yet to receive a response from the Ministry of Sports. The team has been dependent on the generosity of a single donor, coach Peter Ginnegar, who has depleted his savings to keep the sport running.
Doreen Indasi, a senior National team player and beneficiary of the sport, is pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in Tourism and Travel Management. Her university fees are covered through the sport, a testament to its transformative power. Victory Akinyi, another standout player, made it to the girls' Under-19 National Lacrosse team in 2019 and later became the first African Lacrosse player to secure a sports scholarship in the US. Akinyi graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering from Utah Valley College in May 2021.
The team's hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. Akinyi was outstanding at the tournament and caught the eyes of international coaches and scouts. Despite this, Kenya is yet to receive significant government support or high-profile initiatives for the growth of lacrosse in the country.
Kenya is in Group E alongside Germany, Puerto Rico, and Chinese Taipei for the World Championship. The team's success could not only bring glory to Kenya but also shine a light on the potential of lacrosse to transform lives and provide opportunities for underprivileged children.
As the team prepares for the tournament, KLA Patron Linda Mwende has called for government and corporate support for the team and the growth of the sport in the country. The future of Kenyan lacrosse hangs in the balance, and the team's dreams of representing their country on the world stage could soon become a reality with the right support.
[1] Source: Standard Digital (2021). Government grants visa-free entry for fans and media for CHAN and AFCON tournaments. [online] Available at: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/article/2001365860/government-grants-visa-free-entry-for-fans-and-media-for-chan-and-afcon-tournaments [Accessed 26 May 2021].
[2] Source: Daily Nation (2021). Lacrosse: Kenya's growing sport with a bright future. [online] Available at: https://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/lacrosse-kenyas-growing-sport-with-a-bright-future/1066-5354774-15jf64vz/index.html [Accessed 26 May 2021].
[3] Source: The Star (2021). Lacrosse: Kenya's hidden gem. [online] Available at: https://www.the-star.co.ke/sports/lacrosse-kenyas-hidden-gem/ [Accessed 26 May 2021].
- The Under-20 Men's National Lacrosse team in Kenya is facing financial hurdles in their journey to the World Lacrosse Under-20 Championship, with the Kenya Lacrosse Association (KLA) presenting a budget of Sh16 million for the team's trip, but yet to receive a response from the Ministry of Sports.
- The transformative power of lacrosse in Kenya is evidenced by the success stories of players like Doreen Indasi, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in Tourism and Travel Management, and Victory Akinyi, who secured a sports scholarship in the US and graduated with a degree in Computer Engineering.
- Remmy Joshua, the team's coach, and Mwende, a prominent player, echo the KLA's plea for government support, believing that with sufficient funding, the sport has the potential to change more lives and reach more underprivileged children.
- With the World Championship in Jeju, South Korea approaching, the team's success could not only bring glory to Kenya but also shine a light on the potential of lacrosse to transform lives and provide opportunities for underprivileged children. Moreover, international coaches and scouts have taken notice of Akinyi's talent, indicating a bright future for Kenyan lacrosse on a global stage.
