Malindi showdown

By OSCAR PILIPILI

Kenya Karate Federation (KKF) has finalised the organisation of Kenya’s first ever international Karate Clubs Championship to be held in the coastal town of Malindi this weekend.

The event, to be officially opened by Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka on Saturday, is geared towards enhancing the fight against drugs and the promotion of sports tourism.

KKF chairman Caleb Atemi said the Vice President will be joined by senior Ministry of Sports officials led by Secretary for Sports Joseph Langat and Ministry of Tourism led by Minister Najib Balala.

"We expect to have a great time of sports karate. We have received great help from various sponsors who have responded in kind through the offer of beverages or equipment to players," said Atemi.

Atemi said sponsors include Lucozade, NACADA, Ministry of Sports, Fly 540, Roberto Mariani, the Blue Marlin Hotel, Eden Roc Hotel, Turtle Bay Beach Hotel, Temple Point Hotel, the Malindi Municipal Council, the Kenya Navy, Malindi MP, Gideon Mung’aro and Radio Salaam.

Promote tourism

"It is still not too late for others to join in and help make this event worthwhile," he said.

Teams from Europe and Africa are expected to start arriving in Malindi tomorrow.

The championship, bringing together teams from all over the world, will be held between March 26 and 31.

Its main objective is to promote Sports Tourism in Kenya while fighting the drug menace among the youth.

Teams from England, Scotland, Russia, Italy, France, Poland, Burundi, Rwanda, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, have already registered their players.

The tournament ring has been placed on a raised platform facing the Indian Ocean.

enjoy breeze

Both the players and spectators will have the chance to enjoy the cool breeze as they take part in the first event of its kind in Africa.

The event will be a major boost to the hotel and tourism industry in Kenya and is expected to become an annual part of the KKF calendar.

"We shall allow a few other sponsors who want to place their banners at the venue and sell their products to talk to our Malindi Organsing Committee.

Others can till help with transportation, accommodation and food, especially for teams from Africa," said Atemi.