Bitok explains objectives of Heroes Community Tournament

Nandi Sen. Samson Cherargei (L), KVF’s Charles Nyaberi and Malkia Strikers coach Paul Bitok during the launch in Nairobi on Wednesday. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Malkia Strikers head coach Paul Bitok has revealed the objectives of the newly launched Heroes Community Volleyball Tournament, to be held at Koitalel University Grounds in Nandi County on October 16-17.

First, it will be used to remember the legends who have been in the sport for a protracted period.

Secondly, the tournament will honour and recognise sportsmen and women who have made the vast Rift Valley region proud especially in Nandi County which has been the bed rock of volleyball talent.

"The other aim is to use it to nurture junior and youth talents as they are the feeders to the national teams in the near future," said Bitok.

The event has so attracted over 50 teams locally and internationally including Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) sides Equity Bank, General Service Unit and Kenya Pipeline.

Sponsors who have so far come on board include Yokora Sports, Mizuno, Nairobi Sports House and the KVF.

Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei and Chesumei Member of Parliament Wilson Kogo have also injected Sh100,000 and Sh50,000 respectively.

KVF vice chairman Charles Nyaberi said the association has welcomed the new event in their calendar, especially now that the leagues are in the off season.

"This competition will minimise tension now that the campaigns for the General elections are starting to heat up," said Nyaberi.

"As KVF, we have been reaping big in Nandi County and now it's our turn to give back to the society that has always given us amazing talents."