Karatekas' appeal for funds

By Oscar Pilipili

Kenya Karate Federation (KKF) has unveiled fundraising plans for the forthcoming International Karate Clubs Championship scheduled for Malindi in March.

Chairman Caleb Atemi said the federation and hosts Blue Marlin Hotel have written to leading private sector players appealing for partnership and sponsorship for the Championship which is the biggest ever to be held in Kenya.

"We have written to NACADA, Brand Kenya, Safaricom, Kenya Tourist Board among others seeking their partnership in this great event that will for days place Kenya on the world tourism map. We also plan to publish a special souvenir magazine for the event," said Atemi.

While Atemi seeks funds locally, Roberto Mariani, the proprietor of the Blue Marlin Hotel, the venue of the global event expected to assemble over 2,000 karate practitioners, is in Europe talking to ‘friends of Karate’.

"I am off to Italy and Europe to urge more clubs and other friends of karate to travel to Kenya and enjoy one of the best tourism destinations in the world," Mariani said.

According to the KKF chairman, they require Sh30 million to successfully host the event.

Atemi said that KKF patron Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka is expected to grace the opening ceremony of the beach Karate event which will incorporate musical performances from leading Kenyan artists, cultural and fashion shows.

"This is a youth event. Thousands of Kenyan youth will be expected to attend to sing and dance with their favourite artists while enjoying the game as they learn the usefulness of life free from drugs," said Atemi after chairing a KKF Executive Committee meeting at Nyayo National Stadium.

The federation closed its calendar season with grading of 29 junior karatekas in Western Kenya at the Mumias Complex. The event was sponsored by the Spanish National Karate Coach, Sensei Joseph Abad.