US volleyball star Sarah Sponcil saves Soweto Academy from financial collapse

US Olympian Sarah Sponcil has extended a helping hand to the reigning Nairobi Region secondary schools girls’ volleyball champions, Soweto Academy, who were on the brink of collapse due to financial constraints.

The institution, located in Kibera, heavily relies on well-wishers to fund the outfit, and Sponcil’s timely intervention through the US-based Christian charitable organisation World Concern has brought new hope to the academy.

Soweto Academy Director, Emmanuel Okumu, expressed gratitude for Sponcil’s visit, highlighting the significant impact it has had on the team. “We were at our lowest. Remember this is a school that is based in the largest slum in the country and depends on well-wishers.

We didn’t have balls, nets, and finances to continue facilitating the team. During the Coronavirus period, a lot of things happened and we haven’t been able to get the much-needed support. But now there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel thanks to Sponcil’s visit through World Concern,” he said.

Soweto Academy takes players from pastoralist communities across the country, nurturing their talents and providing them with opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise. The academy has played a crucial role in keeping the girls away from activities that would have put their lives at risk.

The beach volleyball star Sponcil, who partnered with Kelly Claes during the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games, is in the country for a week-long volleyball clinic. She is accompanied by Kenyan beach volleyballers Brackcides Agala, Gaudencia Makokha, and upcoming Malkia Strikers left attacker Veronica Makokha.

Sponcil chose Kenya as the first stop after Agala and Makokha gave her a Kenyan bracelet after their match, where Kenya lost 2-0 at the Tokyo Games.

Sponcil believes that sports play a vital role in giving children hope and opportunity, especially those facing dire circumstances. World Concern has a long history of helping to bring education, clean water, hope, and opportunity to the poorest of communities and people throughout Kenya. The Olympian feels incredibly fortunate to be in such company and to contribute to the development of young and vulnerable athletes.

The players are scheduled to conduct more clinics at Morijo Secondary School in Narok County on Thursday.