The Private Primary Schools Sports Association (PIPSSA) Kenya brought the swimming fraternity together in a spectacular display of young talent at the long-course invitational swimming championship held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Kasarani Stadium Arena. The one-day gala witnessed a massive turnout, with over 300 swimmers competing in more than 1,000 entries, a testament to the sport’s growing popularity among young athletes in Kenya.

 

The event saw participation from top schools and clubs, including Aqua Warriors, Condor Swim Club, Foresight Academy, Juja Preparatory, Moi Educational Centre, Santana Calm Waters Academy, St. Bakhita Schools, Vidhu Ramji, and Xtreme Sports Academy, among others. The competition was fierce, with young swimmers eager to prove their skills in the water. Among the standout performers was 11-year-old Kivale Jabulani from St. Bakhita School, who delivered a stunning performance in the 50m backstroke, clinching gold with a time of 53.54 seconds. Jabulani, who trains four times a week, spoke about the competitiveness of the event but credited his success to dedication and the unwavering support of his coaches and parents. He promised to push even harder in preparation for the next gala.

 

In the 14-15 age category, Nina Gacheri, 15, from Juja Preparatory, emerged victorious in the 50m backstroke, clocking 1:15.67 to secure gold. Reflecting on the event, she emphasized how it sharpened her skills and provided an opportunity to compete against equally talented swimmers. She expressed her excitement at meeting other competitors and vowed to improve her performance in the next championship.

 

Moi Educational Centre’s Coach Albert, whose swimmers were competing in their second long-course gala, was pleased with their progress. He highlighted how the event served as an important preparation ground for the upcoming Kigali International Mini-Games from April 3rd to 7th, where they will face international competition. Additionally, he announced that Moi Educational Centre will host the second-term school event gala, further cementing its commitment to nurturing young swimming talent.

 

PIPSSA Kenya official Francis Mwangi was elated by the overwhelming participation, commending the schools and clubs for their commitment to competitive swimming. He encouraged more institutions to embrace the sport, noting that it plays a crucial role in developing young athletes and shaping the future of swimming in Kenya. His sentiments were echoed by Rachel Gathoni from Genesis Sports Limited, one of the event’s sponsors, who expressed her satisfaction with the turnout and reaffirmed her team’s commitment to supporting young swimmers. She urged schools to seize such opportunities, emphasizing that platforms like these open doors for young athletes to excel.

 

As the final points were tallied, St. Bakhita Schools emerged as the dominant force, securing first place in both the boys’ and girls’ categories as well as the overall ranking. In the girls’ division, St. Bakhita led with 2,271 points, followed by Moi Educational Centre with 1,359 points, while Juja Preparatory School came in third with 434 points. The boys’ category saw St. Bakhita once again on top with 1,900 points, ahead of Moi Educational Centre with 631 points, and Foresight Academy securing third place with 547 points. Overall, St. Bakhita Schools finished first with an impressive 4,171 points, with Moi Educational Centre coming in second with 1,990 points, and Foresight Academy taking third place with 971 points.

 

With the swimming gala successfully concluded, attention now shifts to the next PIPSSA event on Saturday, March 22, 2025, where the PIPSSA Kenya Skating Championship will take center stage at the same venue. The term’s sporting activities will culminate in the much-anticipated Kigali International Mini-Games in Rwanda from April 3rd to 7th, where participants will not only compete but also engage in a cultural and historical tour, including a visit to the famous Genocide Museum.

 

As the young athletes left the arena, there was a palpable sense of pride and determination in the air. The PIPSSA swimming championship had not only provided an avenue for fierce competition but had also reaffirmed that Kenya’s future swimming stars are on the rise, making waves and setting the stage for even greater achievements ahead.