Plans are afoot to have an indoor arena facility in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
This was revealed during the official launch of Kipchumba Karori Eldoret International Volleyball Tournament Wednesday at Weston Hotel in Nairobi.
Kipchumba Karori Eldoret International Volleyball Tournament Patron Mr. Kipchumba Karori said all the logistics are in place and in two or three years, the facility will be up and running.
“We have acquired 10 hectares. Sponsors are already there and willing to get started. We are doing the ground work and when all formalities are compete, we will reach out to the Ministry of Sports for their blessings. Truth be told, we need this facility as soon as possible. Eldoret – is part of the vast Western hub of talent and I believe if we build this facility, then the county can bid to host international events as part of sports tourism and employment creation,” remarked Karori.
Reflecting on the glamour of the upcoming event, Karori explained: “Being a former volleyball player and it gives me immense pleasure to sponsor this event. And going against the grain, in matters athletics and football, I also challenge respective Federations to invest a lot more in mentorship programs that will will see more talents being churned out from the region. Lastly, I want to thank various sponsors who have come on board to support this novel initiative,” he added.
Present during the event were National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei, Uasin Gishu Senator Uasin Gishu Jackson Mandago, Webuye West Constituency Member of Parliament Dan Wanyama.
Also in attendance were Football Kenya Federation Presidential aspirant Hussein Mohamed, Kenya Volleyball Federation President Charles Nyaberi, event coordinator and Deputy President Paul Bitok, KVF Second Vice Kenneth Tonui, Sponsors, team managers, and players from various clubs across the country.
The event will see senior men and women’s winners go home with Sh,500,000, whilst runners up will bag Sh 300,000 and third placed Sh, 100, 000
Self Supporting winners in both men and women’s category will pocket Sh 300,000, second placed will pocket Sh 200,000 with third getting Sh 100,000.
Universities and Colleges will pocket Sh 50,000,Sh 30,000,20,000and Sh,10,000 respectively.
High Schools have a package of Sh 50,000,30,000,20,000,10,000 up for grabs while Primary Schools will pocket Sh,30,000,20,000,10,000 and 5,000.
The event is scheduled for December 13-15 at The Eldoret National Polytechnic grounds in Uasin Gishu County. Last year, winners were awarded Sh Sh 120,000.
Wanyama, on his part, challenged companies to invest more in local teams saying sports helps to curb tribalism.
