Roller skaters appeal for funds to help them participate in African Championships

Kenyan roller-skaters test their metal [Courtesy]

A group of young Kenyan roller-skaters could miss out on participating in the African Championships.

This is after Kenya Federation of Roller-Skating (KFRS) failed to secure funding from the Ministry of Sports to facilitate their participation in the second African Inline Speed Skating Championships set for Ismailia, Egypt slated for 28^th of October to the 3^rd of November 2018.

Despite the frequent visits to the sports ministry, the team says no help has come their way.

According to KFRS Secretary General Lameck Wafula the team has put spirited efforts in training and fear it may just go down the drain.

The team is appealing for funds to participate in the second African Inline Speed Skating Championships [Courtesy]

"We have been training since March this year and not taking part in this tournament may affect our chances of participating in the 2020 Olympics to be held in Japan,” said Wafula.

The determination of the team to raise the country's flag high in the little-known sport has seen them acquire passports and visas for their transport at their cost.

But they still have a challenge of getting funds for air ticket and accommodation and are now appealing to well-wishers to come to their aid.

Wafula also says that their efforts to seek funds from other avenues and institutions have been hampered by the fact that the federation had not been issued with a certificate of registration which they only acquired last week.

"We do not want any allowance, we are doing this for the love of the sport and we appeal to Kenyans to come to our aid and give whatever little they have so that this team can go make the country proud," added Wafula.

The Ministry of Sports flagged the team off on Tuesday afternoon at their Kencom offices, but their position remains that they do not have funds for the trip.

The federation held qualifiers on October 15 for the African event, which was initially set for August. It was however pushed to October and 12 athletes selected to represent the country in the continental event.

The team comprises athletes from the junior and senior team with four people on the technical bench.