Kenya Aquatics have announced ambitious plans to bolster masters' swimming programmes in the country.
Kenya Aquatics secretary general Collins Marigiri said the initiative includes organising a national masters' swimming championship next year and creating a comprehensive database of master swimmers.
Marigiri called on the swimming community to rally behind the initiative, emphasising its importance in promoting the sport.
"I am calling all our swimmers, especially the older generation, to return to the pool. Now that the swimming federation is in order, there will be avenues for the swimmers to compete locally and globally,” said Marigiri.
Marigiri was delighted with the performance of the master swimmers during the Africa Aquatics Championships in Kigali last weekend where the likes of Fahad Bayusuf and Nasser Motha bagged medals, indicating the huge potential the country has.
“The potential for master swimmers is immense and with proper preparations, we can win several medals in international competitions," added Marigiri.
He said Kenya is keen on sending a team to the World Masters' Championships in Doha, Qatar, in February next year.
"We are exploring ways of securing funds to allow us send some swimmers to the event,” he noted.
In a related development, the Kiambu County Aquatics Association (KCAA) will host a masters' gala at Potterhouse School, in Runda on December 9.
Kiambu County swimming chairman Stanley Kaberu said over 200 participants are expected for the one-day event where cash prizes await the winners.
Swimming clubs from Kisumu, Mombasa, and Kisumu are expected to send competitors.
