BingwaFest sports extravaganza to light up Eldoret

Bingwafest 2023 championship director Cynthia Mumbo, CEO AfricaCentric Entertainment, Marek Fuchs, Betika Deputy Gereral Manager Mutua Mutava and BingwaFest 2023 Ambassador Laventa Omanyala. [Courtesy]

BingwaFest sports extravaganza is set to kick off in Eldoret on Thursday with over 2000 athletes within the age bracket of 19-28 years in contention for glory in various disciplines.

The Betika sponsored event will involve basketball, football and athletics, while volleyball and rugby are set to be incorporated in the games next season.

The gaming firm is supporting the three-day contests in partnership with Afrocentric Entertainment and the Uasin Gishu County Government.

According to Event Director Cynthia Mumbo, basketball will be played in a 3x3 format with Sh500,000 cash prize up for grabs.

"To promote athletes in the region, two of the four players in each team must be residents of the Rift Valley counties," Mumbo, who is also the Founder and CEO of Sports Connect Africa, told Standard Sports.

Lucrative athletics, to be held at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium, will see athletes battle for glory in 100m, 400m, 800m, 5000m, 10000m and the 4x100 and 4x400m relays categories.

Football will be an 11 aside duel with Sh1,000,000 cash prize. Athletes are not allowed to swap disciplines during the events.

 “The partnership with BingwaFest is important to us not only because we are involved in uplifting the Kenyan sports, but because it enables young, talented Kenyans to make a living from their talents,” Betika Chief Finance Officer and Deputy General Manager Mutua Mutava remarked.

 "This is more than sports, our goal is to bring together athletes, sports enthusiasts, and the public to witness the brilliance of homegrown talent. 

"The competitions embody the spirit of unity and pride in the Kenyan sporting heritage," Mutava added.

Beyond the fields of play, attendees will experience a fusion of sports and entertainment with stellar performances from some of Kenya's most renowned artistes.  

"Combining competitive sports with entertainment is the essence of BingwaFest, it symbolises our commitment to uplifting Kenyan sports to foster a sense of unity and celebration," AfricaCentric Entertainment Co-founder and CEO Marek Fuchs added.

Uasin Gishu County Chief Executive Committee for Youth Affairs, Sports, ICT and Innovation, Lucy Njoroge who endorsed the events termed the competitions a cornerstone of Kenya’s sporting calendar.