Kenya Aquatics President Maureen Owiti (2nd R) and Open Water coach Monica Githinji (2nd L) with the national Open Water team in Mombasa/HANDOUTThe announcement was made by Heize Kahindo, Executive Committee Member of Kenya Aquatics and the country’s Coordinator of Open Water Swimming.
Kenya will field a team in the championship that brings together swimmers from 54 nations in what promises to be a defining moment for the sport on the continent.
“This competition gives our swimmers a new platform to compete at the highest level within Africa. We are committed to growing this discipline and showcasing our potential,” said Kahindo.
She described the championship as a major step for African aquatics and an opportunity for Kenya’s open water athletes to measure themselves against the best.
The Africa Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup is organised by the Federation Aquatique de Guinée (FAG) under the Africa Aquatics banner, with support from World Aquatics.
Guinea’s hosting of the inaugural edition signals its ambition to make Conakry a central destination for water sports on the continent.
The competition will feature events for men and women aged 14 and above, including individual 3 km and 5 km races, a mixed relay (4 x 1500 m), and a community race open to Guinean swimmers.
Cash prizes will be awarded to top performers, adding a professional edge.
Open water swimming is growing rapidly in Africa. Mid-October, Mombasa hosted the Africa Aquatics Junior and Senior Open Water Championships, attracting athletes from ten countries.
The Guinea Cup is expected to build on that progress and provide Kenyan swimmers with more international exposure.
“It’s a new facet of the sport we have introduced in the country, so we hope in the next few years we can manage to win medals,” Kahindo added.
Kenya Aquatics will also stage the National Open Water Swimming Championships in Mombasa on December 3, a key domestic competition ahead of the Short Course National Swimming Championships at the Bandari Maritime Academy.
