National women's volleyball coach Paul Bitok has challenged Uasin Gishu County government to build a gymnasium in the region to aid the growth of volleyball in the North Rift.
Bitok, who is the patron of the inaugural Eldoret City Volleyball Championship that will be played this weekend at Eldoret Sports Club, added that an indoor facility will further seal the region's status as the home of champions.
"Eldoret has the potential to host many indoor sports but the biggest challenge is lack of facilities. Not even a single gymnasium is available which is not good news at all," said Bitok.
"Playing games in a secure environment will help curb hooliganism and prevent vices such as sexual harassment. Even as the county administration focus on renovating Kip Keino and 64 stadia, I think it is high time they thought about constructing a gymnasium."
The two-day show will see teams play in various categories including clubs that participate in the national league, self-supporting clubs, schools and colleges.
General Service Unit, who have won the last four men's league title in a row, highlight the competition. Others are African Club Champions KCB — in the women's category — as well as Kenya Pipeline.
Cheptil Secondary School, who will represent Kenya at the Africa School Games in Morrocco in January 2023 is part of the party. Cheptil managed to win the national and East Africa School Games titles.
The group and quarter final matches will be played on Saturday while Sunday is set aside for semifinals and finals.
"We want to continue nurturing talent as well as create awareness about drug abuse. I believe this will be sustainable in the long run," Bitok finalised.
