Over 50 teams set for East African Chipkizi Championships in Arusha

Lee Gatei, 16, from Orca Swim Club, competes in the 100m breaststroke during the Kiambu Aquatics Gala at Potterhouse School, Runda/HANDOUT

More than 50 swimming teams and over 700 swimmers from eight nations are gearing up for the 2025 East African Chipkizi Swimming Championship on December 19–21 at Braeburn School, Arusha.

The championship will feature top swimming clubs and schools from across East Africa, promising three days of intense competition, youthful energy, and continental pride.

Kenya will field a strong contingent, including Pioneer School, St. Bakhita School, Mustard Seed International, Juja St. Peter’s, Woodcreek School, Juja Prep School, Orca Swim Club, Rusinga School, Aqua Wave Swim Club, Bungoma Sports Hub, and Maria Polis School.

Others are Lukenya Academy, Moi Educational Centre, Gold Fish Swimming Club, Aqua SharksFin, Supermarlins, Snook, Umoja Sharks and St. Christopher’s Nanyuki.

Uganda will be represented by the likes of Olympian Swim Club, Torpedo Swim Club, Sterling, Silverfin, Gliders, Aquatic Academy, Heritage, Green Hill, Hertz, Starfish, Shalot Dolphins, Dolphins and Aqua Skii.

From the host nation, Tanzania, notable entries include Riptide, UWCEA, Lake Victoria, Mwanza Swim Club, Hope International School, Blue Fins, Talis, Milestone, Braeburn Schools Tanzania, North Coast Swimming Club, and Elite Aqua Swim Club.

The event will also feature basketball and football, transforming Arusha into a hub of sporting excellence.

Football matches will be hosted at several top venues — including the Tanganyika Game Trackers (TGT) Grounds, Aga Khan Sports Centre, Sheikh Amri Abeid City Stadium and United World Colleges (UWC).

Chief Organiser of Future Stars Academy, Bernard Itali, said the football competition will feature Under-7 to Under-20 categories for both boys and girls. Similar age-group divisions will apply to swimming and basketball to promote fair play and athlete development.

The event has also drawn international interest from talent scouts, agents, and team managers from countries including the United States, Sweden, Greece, Spain, Macedonia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Uganda and Kenya — highlighting its growing reputation as a key talent showcase in East Africa.