Kenyan schools invited for World Games in China

Stanley Mativo

Kenya has received an invitation to be part of the 2020 World Secondary Schools Games with the International Schools Federation (ISF) providing slots in 22 disciplines including athletics and football.

The Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) received ISF’s invite on Wednesday with details that China, the host nation, has pledged to cater for accommodation charges as well as 80% of all flight costs.

This year’s winners at the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games held in Tanzania are eligible to compete at the global championship that will be staged in the Chinese town Jinjiang.

Fencing, Jump, Rope, Archery, Swimming, Badminton, Aerobic, Gymnastics, Table, Tennis, Basketball, Artistic, Gymnastics, Taekwondo, Chess, Rhythmic, Gymnastics, Wrestling, Diving, Judo and Wushu are among the other disciplines that will be on show.

KSSSA secretary general David Ngugi says the schools governing body has reached out the government to support Kenyan teams on the remaining 20% flight fare and participation fee to ensure Kenya plays her maiden world championship next year.

“We hope the government will support us the remaining part to ensure that we will not miss this championship. We have not been able to participate since inception of these games due to lack of sponsorship and after China announced they will support us we should grab this opportunity,” he said.

Kenya has never participated in the biennial championship since it started in 1974 in Germany owing to lack of sponsorship.

The last edition was hosted in Marrakech in Morocco and it was the first time Africa hosted the World Schools Games Championship.