St. Christopher's School Nanyuki swimmers flagged off for Kampala Invitational Swimming Championships

A group of 30 swimmers from the 2023 Mount Kenya Swimming Bloc overall champions - St Christopher's School Nanyuki - were on Tuesday morning flagged off to grace the inaugural edition of the Kampala Invitational Swimming Championships set to take place on Sunday 23 April in Kampala, Uganda.

The flagging off ceremony, which took place at the school’s compound, was presided over by Laikipia County Government officials and County Women Representative Hon. Jane Kagiri who promised her unconditional support in the growth of budding talent while asking for more investment in the sport.

The school last month - under the stewardship of Head Coach Omar Ali Omari - defended their Regional Bloc Swimming Championships overall title after out-dueling Loreto Convent Valley Road and 26 other schools in a colorful event held at the Mpesa Foundation in Thika, Kiambu.

“I want to congratulate all of you for flying the Laikipia county flag high,” Hon. Jane Kagiri told the swimmers in the flagging off ceremony. “You have been blessed with brilliant talents and our hope is that you go out and shine even brighter on the big stage. Our eyes are on you and we will offer our support as a County Government.”

Joining the group in the Kampala meet that will be hosted by the Kampala Aquatic Academy will be 97 other swimmers emanating from affiliated PIPSSA-Kenya group of schools among them; Lukenya School (50 swimmers), Umoja Sharks (30 swimmers), Potterhouse School (5 swimmers) and Pioneer Girls High School (12 swimmers).

Participation in the invitational meet dubbed as the ‘I’m Ready Swimming Challenge 2023’ sanctioned by the Uganda Swimming Federation will act as a ramp-up event for the team as they plan to compete in the Hamilton Aquatics Championships penciled for June this year in Dubai.

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“The team is ready to take care of business and claim the ultimate prize,” lead head coach Omar Ali said on Tuesday. “Just like we had done in the Regional Championships, our preparations have been top-notch and we expect to not only win but learn.”

After the team's arrival, the young swimmers aged 7-16 years will engage in a city tour and take part in a Saturday friendly water-polo game as part of sports-tourism.

The group of coaches from the participating nations - Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda- will also take up a coaches exchange program as they look to refine their skills.

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The Kenyan technical staff will include; Omar Ali Omari (Head coach), Benson Okoth (Assistant coach), Bilhah Njung’e (Team chaperone), Mary Wambua (Team nurse), Francis Mwangi (Team manager) and Mark Gaya (Team coordinator).