The Kenya swimming team will finally travel to Uganda for the Cana Zone III Championship starting on Thursday 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 doing 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 and under: 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.
