The National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has announced that Busia County will host the next instalment of the national beach games, with the exact date yet to be revealed.
This decision comes in the wake of the successful inaugural Beach Games held in Kilifi County earlier this year.
Francis Mutuku, the Secretary-General of NOCK, expressed their inspiration from the first leg of the games in Kilifi, which brought together over 700 athletes for a thrilling display of conventional and cultural beach sports.
Mutuku emphasized the importance of these sports, which combine the energetic atmosphere of beach environments with the engagement of a youthful audience, contributing to the nation’s objective of exploiting the Blue Economy.
The games held at Buntwani Beach in Malindi showcased various sports disciplines, including Taekwondo, Sprint Rowing, Individual Kata/Karate, Boxing, Dhow Racing, Aquathlon, Judo, Ajua, 3X3 Basketball, and Surfing.
The second edition of the national beach games follows closely after the upcoming Africa Beach Games in Hammamet, Tunisia, and the global event in Bali, Indonesia, scheduled for August.
Mutuku revealed that the Busia edition will feature a significant number of water sports alongside locally-invented games, adding a unique element to the competition.
Governor Paul Otuoma of Busia commended the concept of the beach games, recognizing the opportunity it presents for unearthing and nurturing talent at the grassroots level.
He highlighted the chance to showcase the county’s flourishing hospitality industry and the knowledge transfer that will benefit the local community through such collaborative events.
Otuoma believes that athletes from the grassroots will be inspired to pursue their dreams and strive for participation in the pinnacle of sporting events, the Olympic Games.
The Busia Beach Games will encompass a variety of sports disciplines, including local events such as Open Water Swimming, Boat Racing, Hill/Mountain Climbing, and Volleyball.
Additionally, there will be demonstration events featuring Boxing and Judo, as well as competitive events such as Aquathlon, Rowing, and 3X3 Basketball.
