The Private and International Prep Schools Sports Association (PIPSSA) hosted a spectacular two-day invitational swimming gala at Moi Educational Centre, Nairobi, which concluded on Sunday, February 2, 2025. The event was marked by an overwhelming turnout, with over 500 young swimmers and 2,000 event entries, making it one of the largest age-group swimming competitions in the country this year.

From the moment the first swimmers took to the pool, it was evident that this would be a fiercely competitive event. Twenty-four schools participated, with coaches, parents, and swimmers alike praising the high level of organization and the invaluable opportunity it provided. The gala served as more than just a competition—it was a platform for building confidence, fostering sportsmanship, and preparing young athletes for future national and international meets.

For many of these young competitors, the event was a chance to test their skills against their peers, push their limits, and dream bigger. Koome Alma, a determined nine-year-old from Consolata School, delivered a standout performance in the 100m breaststroke, clinching victory with a time of 2:04.60. Despite the stiff competition, she fought hard to touch the wall first. “I met my match in this race, but I knew I had to work even harder to win. I will keep training because one day, I want to represent Kenya in the Olympics,” she said, her face lit up with the excitement of victory.

Not to be outdone, 13-year-old Waweru Tevin from Moi Educational Centre, the host school, put on a commanding display in the 100m butterfly, clocking 1:30.23 to secure gold. After catching his breath, Tevin described the race as an uphill battle. “It was tough, but I was determined to do whatever it took to win,” he admitted, holding his medal proudly.

The impact of this competition extended beyond the swimmers themselves. Christine Wanjiru, coach of Rware Swim Club in Nyeri, commended PIPSSA for hosting an event of such high caliber, emphasizing how essential competitive exposure is for young swimmers. She urged parents, especially in Nyeri County, to continue supporting their children’s dreams, noting that these early experiences can shape their future careers in the sport.

As the final races wrapped up and the swimmers awaited the overall results, Bilha Njunge, a key member of the PIPSSA organizing committee, reflected on the gala’s success. She expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic participation and assured everyone that the association remains committed to providing young athletes with more opportunities across different sports. With that, she announced upcoming events, including an athletics competition at Mpesa Foundation Academy in Thika on February 8 and a mini-games tournament at Greensteds International School in Nakuru.

When the final scores were tallied, Lukenya Dolphins emerged as the overall champions, amassing a total of 5,757 points, proving their dominance in the pool. Consolata Swim Club followed closely in second place with 3,293 points, while Woodcreek School secured third place with 2,411 points.

In the girls’ category, Lukenya Dolphins reigned supreme with 4,115 points, comfortably ahead of Moi Educational Centre (1,639 points) and Consolata Swim Club (1,106 points). The boys’ category saw Consolata Swim Club take the top spot with 2,187 points, edging out Lukenya Dolphins (1,642 points) and Woodcreek School (1,365 points).

With the gala’s success setting the tone for the year, PIPSSA now turns its focus to upcoming events, including the much-anticipated Inter-County Sports Tournament on March 8-9, 2025, at St. Christopher’s School, Nanyuki, and the International Mini Games on April 6, 2025, in Kigali, Rwanda. These events will offer young athletes not only the opportunity to compete at a higher level but also to experience international competition, fostering sports development across borders.

As the young swimmers left the pool deck, medals in hand and aspirations burning bright, one thing was clear—PIPSSA is shaping the next generation of champions.