Airtel splashes Sh2.5m to Standard Group-sponsored Masaku Sevens

Machakos Governor Dr Alfred Mutua (left) receives a Sh2.5m dummy cheque from Airtel-Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi during the launch of Masaku 7s in Machakos, yesterday. [PHOTOS: JONAH ONYAGO/STANDARD]

Machakos County Governor Alfred Mutua has pledged to support the third edition of Masaku Rugby Sevens scheduled for June 27-29 at Machakos’ Kenyatta Stadium.

Mutua said through sports, his county can attract tourists from around the globe.

“We have planned to hype the event to create awareness. Already ,there will be 200 Morris mini cars to be used for pre-event publicity,” said Mutua.

Mutua, who has pledged tight security during the tournament, congratulated Airtel Kenya for splashing into the event  Sh2.5 million.

“This is a great venture and we urge other corporates to come on board and support the tournament. Sport is the glue that puts the community together,” said Mutua during the cheque presentation at the Machakos Peoples Park yesterday.

While expressing his delight at Airtel’s support he said: “I commend the organisers and sponsors for striving to make this tournament a success. My government will continue to promote, support and develop different sporting activities and sports education.”

promotion of sports

Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi emphasised Airtel’s commitment to the promotion of sports across the county.

 Youssefi said: “Rugby is one of the fastest growing  sports in Kenya and we will continually support opportunities like this to enable talented youth in Kenya to connect with each other through sport.”

“This tournament will create a long-term positive impact on the players. Our customers are assured of uninterrupted voice, SMS and data services. Customers will access customer service and sales points at the games venue throughout the tournament.”

The event will bring together sixteen teams.

Five foreign teams including three from Uganda and teams from Italy, Oslo, Fiji, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have confirmed their participation.

“Fiji will be sending the Davatelevu Club while the Wasps will represent UAE. We also have the Oslo Rugby Klubb while Uganda, who participated in the second edition last year, will be represented by the Pirates and other two clubs,” said tournament director Benjamin Ayimba.

Ayimba added that all top teams in the Kenya Cup league: Kenya Harlequins, Mwamba and Impala Saracens have been invited alongside the British Army from the Nanyuki Barracks.

The prize money for the tournament Sh1 million. Winners will take home Sh500,000 and runners up Sh300,000. Outstanding player and   top scorer will  each get Sh100,000.

The tournament will also feature a schools category with six schools led by Alliance Boys and Kakamega High School. Defending champions Strathmore University will champion the clubs contest, which kicks off on Saturday.

The Standard Group Limited sunk a Sh7.2 million sponsorship in the tournament in April, which will go into publicity.

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