By Peter Mutai
Kericho Day Girls Secondary School Handball team will represent the country in next month's 39th edition of Interamnia World Cup championships in Teramo, Italy.
The 18-member team is expected in Italy on July 3 for the international event and are expected back on Jully10.
The school’s Principal Juliana Kirui and team coach, Willy Kiprono Rop have appealed for financial assistance from the Government and well-wishers to secure the air tickets for the girls to travel to Italy.
Kirui said the girls and their coaches already received travel documents for the event which is a has been taking place for the last 38 years.
Interamnia World Cup is promoted and organised by the Sports Association Handball Interamnia, in collaboration with Italian Handball Federation and the Italian Olympic Committee.
According to the invitation sent to the school dated May 17 and signed by the President of the Interamnia World Cup Pier Luigi Montauti, the event will attract several teams across the world.
Kirui said each participant requires Sh91,000 bringing the total amount of funds required to facilitate the team, which has been invited for the international event to more than Sh1.6 million.
On Saturday, a funds drive, which was presided over by Roads Minister Franklin Bett, was held at the school where more than Sh876,000 was raised.
The minister called on well-wishers including multinational tea companies operating in Kericho and lovers of sports to contribute to enable the girls’ travel to Italy.
The minister who was accompanied by Ainamoi MP and host Benjamin Langat gave his personal contribution of Sh200,000 while Langat gave a cheque of Sh200,000 from Ainamoi Constituency Development Fund (CDF) kitty and his donation of Sh25,000.
Kericho Day handball team is a side to reckon with in the local handball scene.
The team is made up Brenda Ariviza, Osiaga Adhiambo, Getrude Chelangat, Joan Alele Achieng, Daisy Chesang, Christine Ogutu Akeyo, Juliet Akinyi, Emmaculate Akinyi and Judith Omondi.
Others are Roselyne Chemutai, Irene Chepkemoi, Lina Chepkorir, Winnie Chepngetich Sang, Maryanne Cherono and the team officials are: Francis Munyeke, Joel Martin Nandi, Juliane Chepkorir Kirui and Willy Kiprono.
