Schools in the Coast region are raising their sports standards to international levels following the expansion of the International Mini Games to the region.
The 20th edition recently wrapped up in Malindi. It attracted participants from Kiambu, Nairobi, Mombasa and Kilifi counties.
The games included football, skating, karate, taekwondo, archery, modern dance, ballet, chess, coding, robotics and various club activities.
Qualifiers from the event are expected to represent Kenya at the International Mini Games in Arusha, Tanzania, in November.
Organisers say more than 100 schools have already joined the programme, with registration still open to other institutions across the country.
The International Mini Games, which comprises sports professionals, hosts regional multi-sport tournaments, often referred to as Mini Olympics.
The event brings together young athletes and students from Kenya and the wider East African region.
Event director Adrian Muthoni says the programme seeks to develop future world champions by embracing Olympic values, while providing learners with opportunities to grow beyond the classroom.
"Our goal is to produce international champions by nurturing talent from a young age, while upholding Olympic standards in the organisation of our events," she said.
She encouraged parents and school administrators to embrace sports alongside academics to ensure children receive holistic development.
"We want to raise well-rounded children who excel not only academically but also in sports and other co-curricular activities," Muthoni added.
The games gives participants an opportunity to compete, explore different parts of the country and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Muthoni said the programme has already opened international doors for several participants, citing a Kenyan learner who recently represented the country at a taekwondo competition in Thailand.
International Mini Games President David Weru said sports offer an effective avenue for addressing indiscipline among learners, while promoting values of excellence, respect and friendship associated with the Olympic standards.
"Recent incidents of unrest in schools show the need to engage young people positively," he said.
“Through sports, we are helping children embrace Olympic values alongside the principles taught in school.”
He said they have previously organised games in Arusha, Tanzania; Kigali, Rwanda; and Nakuru and Nairobi in Kenya.
They now look forward to expanding across Kenya, East Africa and eventually the world.
Weru described the Malindi event, a first for the region, as a milestone for the organisation.
He said the organisation's philosophy is centred on participation and inclusivity rather than elite competition.
"Our qualification process is about giving every child an opportunity to participate," Weru said.
“We do not discriminate because our mission is to nurture every child into a future world champion.”
Teachers who accompanied learners to the event praised the initiative for exposing students to new experiences, while enhancing social and leadership skills.
Oliver Otieno of KBA Group of Schools in Nairobi said his institution fielded 179 students in various disciplines.
"The games provide learners with an opportunity to interact, network and develop creativity, teamwork and critical thinking,” he said.
“They also expose students to career opportunities because sports have become a major source of income globally."
Participants also welcomed the programme, saying it offers a constructive way to spend their time.
Idarus Mohamed, a student from Town Secondary School, said the event enabled him to meet fellow learners from different parts of the country, while encouraging positive behaviour.
"These programmes keep young people engaged in meaningful activities and help discourage negative behaviour, such as school unrest," he said.
