Thika, Kenya – The Mpesa Foundation Academy Thika came alive with youthful energy and fierce competition as the Private & International Preps Schools Sports Association (PIPSSA) Kenya hosted its highly anticipated one-day athletics championship gala. The event saw over 10 elite private primary schools battle it out in a thrilling contest that underscored Kenya’s rich tradition in athletics.

With 459 athletes and 1,540 event entries, the championship delivered a spectacle of raw talent and future stars, showcasing the immense potential within Kenya’s junior athletics scene. Participating schools included Brookhurst International, Mpesa Foundation Academy, Essport Academy, Juja Preparatory, Juja St. Peters, Kianda School, Kitengela International School, La Salle Catholic Primary School, Nova Pioneer Tatu Primary and Sabis International School.

Emerging Champions and Stellar Performances

One of the standout performances of the day came from 12-year-old Melvin Jahari of Brookhurst International, who stormed to victory in the 75-meter sprint, clocking an impressive 11.88 seconds. His electrifying speed saw him claim gold, cementing his status as a future sprint sensation.

“The race was tough, but I gave it my all. This is great preparation for the upcoming championships, and I’m excited for what’s ahead,” Jahari said after his stunning win.

Meanwhile, six-year-old Hadassah Jael of Juja St. Peters proved that age is just a number, as she clinched gold in the Under-400m race with a time of 1:37.15. The young sprinter, brimming with joy, spoke of her love for running and the excitement of meeting athletes from different schools.

“This was so much fun! I love running, and I hope to be a professional athlete one day,” she said enthusiastically.

Sabis International Gears Up for Global Competition

Sabis International School’s head coach, Damien, commended the high level of competition and expressed gratitude to PIPSSA for organizing such an important event. He highlighted how the championship served as crucial preparation for their team ahead of the upcoming global competition in Abu Dhabi in April.

“Our athletes performed exceptionally well today, clinching medals in multiple events. We are grateful for this platform as it allows them to test their skills against the best young talent in the country,” he said.

Legendary Athlete Douglas Wakiihuri Hails Future Champions

Adding prestige to the event was the presence of Douglas Wakiihuri, a legendary former Kenyan athlete with over 30 years of international experience. The marathon great praised the young athletes, emphasizing that Kenya’s future in athletics is in safe hands.

“I am truly impressed by the discipline and dedication shown by these young athletes. They are the next generation of Kenyan champions. I urge organizations like PIPSSA to extend their reach to different counties so that no talent is left untapped,” Wakiihuri stated.

Overall Standings: Juja St. Peters Dominates the Championship

After a day of grueling competition, Juja St. Peters emerged as the overall champions, accumulating a staggering 2,909 points.

Boys’ Category Winners:

1st Place: Juja St. Peters – 1,761 points

2nd Place: Kitengela International School – 725 points

3rd Place: Brookhurst International School – 540 points

Girls’ Category Winners:

1st Place: Kianda School – 1,256 points

2nd Place: Juja St. Peters – 1,147 points

3rd Place: Kitengela International School – 779 points

Overall Team Standings:

1st Place: Juja St. Peters – 2,909 points

2nd Place: Kitengela International School – 1,505 points

3rd Place: Kianda School – 1,256 points

Looking Ahead: PIPSSA’s Sports Calendar Heats Up

PIPSSA’s Kenya Coordinator, Mark Gaya, announced that the focus now shifts to the PIPSSA Kenya Inter-County Sports Extravaganza, set to take place on March 8-9, 2025, at St. Christopher’s School, Nanyuki. The event will feature multiple sports, including swimming, soccer, chess, basketball, skating, and taekwondo.

Several key sponsors have lined up to support the upcoming championship, including Optiven Real Estate, Nanyuki Cottage Hospital, Old House, Equity Bank, Davis & Shirtliff, Beisal Hotel, and Nanyuki Sports Club.

Kigali International Mini Games: A Grand Finale in April

The term’s sports activities will culminate in April with the prestigious Kigali International Mini Games in Rwanda, a multi-sport event that will give young athletes an opportunity to compete on an international stage.

Beyond competition, teams will also experience a cultural and educational tour of Kigali, exploring the cleanest city in Africa and visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial.

Conclusion: Nurturing the Next Generation of Champions

The PIPSSA Athletics Gala was more than just a competition—it was a showcase of resilience, talent, and the future of Kenyan athletics. With young stars already proving their mettle, the journey to greatness has just begun.

As Kenya continues to be a powerhouse in global athletics, platforms like PIPSSA provide a stepping stone for young athletes to realize their dreams, ensuring that the country’s rich legacy in track and field remains unshaken for generations to come.