Africa-Press – Tanzania. Uganda and Tanzania will grace the Kenya Aquatics National Masters Swimming Championship, slated for Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa on Saturday.
The event will be used to select Team Kenya for the Africa Aquatics Masters in Algeria in July and the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 championship in Kampala, Uganda, in October.
About 300 swimmers are expected, with Aquatics technical director Omar Omari saying the event is key for the growth of masters swimming.
This is about delivering a first-class experience for athletes and spectators. The support from the counties strengthens our ability to run a well-organised event and attract more partners,“ said Omari.
He added, “This is a qualifying championship for upcoming continental events, so it’s important for our masters swimmers. It’s a chance for athletes to travel, interact and promote a healthy lifestyle.”
The Mombasa event will be executed by Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties.
“Officials from the three counties will be involved in running the competition, giving them exposure to international officiating standards and modern timing systems,” he said. I’m confident we will have a competitive championship.”
“The partnership is expected to strengthen organisation, security, hospitality and overall event management,” Omari added.
Meanwhile, there will also be an Open Water race in the Indian Ocean on Sunday and Kenya Aquatics Secretary General Collins Marigiri has urged swimmers across all age groups to register.
“We need to build the profile of Open Water swimming and I am asking young and experienced swimmers to turn up in big numbers on Sunday,” said Marigiri.
Kilifi Aquatics Governor Kevin Jwaya urged seasoned and upcoming swimmers to participate in large numbers for both events, noting that it will benefit local communities
“This partnership will boost tourism, create business opportunities and support the growth of swimming in the region,” Jwaya said.
