The Kebene Family Home, a Rotary Community Corps of the Rotary Club of Nairobi North, hosted its inaugural football tournament in July at the World of Hope grounds in Diani, Kwale County.
By Duncan Ondigo
The Kebene Family Home, a Rotary Community Corps of the Rotary Club of Nairobi North, hosted its inaugural football tournament in July at the World of Hope grounds in Diani, Kwale County.
The tournament brought together eight teams, including one from the Kebene family and five from the local community, each comprising six players in a series of sizzling one-day matches.
Members of the Rotary Club of Nairobi North and the Rotaract Club of the University of Nairobi traveled to the coast to support the tournament and conduct a progress review of the implementation of the Educare Global Grant project, which is currently underway at the Kebene Family Home.
The Educare Global Grant is designed to establish capacity-building facilities for young single mothers to empower them with critical skills, including beauty, tailoring, artistry and digital skills. They will utilize these skills for gainful employment as they transition from living in the home to fending for themselves.
The Rotaractors from the University of Nairobi played a crucial role in cheering the teams as they battled it out in the field for the top prizes. They also organized and distributed refreshments and meals to the players and match officials as the tournament came to a close. Meanwhile, the Rotarians used their extensive event management experience and expertise to keep the match scores and coordinate the tournament process with the organizers to ensure it flowed smoothly.
In his opening remarks at the tournament, Pasci Princel, Executive Director of Kebene Family Home, stated that football has the power to connect people, regardless of their background, religion, color, or age.
“On an unforgettable day, we brought together more than 400 children for a wonderful sporting experience. Playing sports together, laughing, enjoying a snack and a delicious meal: that's what it's all about,” said Pasci.
He expressed his deep appreciation to all the players and tournament participants, calling them “heroes and guests who made the day possible” and noting that their impact on the lives of vulnerable children was immeasurable.