The East African Chipkizi Cup 2024 came to a dramatic close in Arusha, Tanzania, cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s premier youth sports festivals. Drawing young athletes from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and Sudan, the tournament was a vibrant showcase of talent across soccer, swimming, and the inaugural basketball competition. In its second year, the swimming championship stole the spotlight, offering thrilling races and outstanding performances that captivated audiences and underscored the rising standards of East African youth sports.

Kenya’s Dashing Dolphins Swim Club, representing the country’s pride in the pool, emerged as the overall champions in swimming. They dominated the boys’ category, amassing an impressive 264 points, far ahead of Tanzania’s Lake Victoria Sports Club, which finished second with 155 points and Kenya’s Orca Swimming Club finishing third with 121 points. In the girls’ division, Uwcea Rhino Swim Club from Tanzania took the lead with 166 points, but Kenya’s Umoja Sharks Swimming Club followed closely, securing second place with 147 points. Fusion Swimming Club, also from Kenya, rounded off the top three with 112.5 points, demonstrating Kenya’s strength across the board.

The Chipkizi Cup wasn’t just about team triumphs—it was a stage for individual brilliance that will be remembered in years to come. Among the standout performers was 11-year-old Lucy Rejman from Uwcea Rhino Swim Club, who dominated the 50m Butterfly event in the Girls’ 10-11 category. Her swift time of 39.89 seconds not only secured her gold but also demonstrated her technical prowess and precision in the water.

In the Boys’ 12-13 age group, 13-year-old Samba Mhina from Riptide Swim Club delivered a stellar performance in the 100m Freestyle, clocking an impressive 1:05.57. His victory was a testament to his endurance and speed, making him a name to watch in the region’s swimming circuit.

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Aryan Awe from Mseto Sports clinched gold in the Boys’ 14-15 100m Freestyle with a remarkable time of 1:04.32. His powerful strokes and strategic pacing were a highlight of the event.

In the younger age categories, Myana Mukolwe from Rusinga Schools Swimming shone in the Girls’ 6-7 25m Backstroke, finishing first with a time of 25.97 seconds. Her performance highlighted the potential of East Africa’s emerging swimmers.

Beyond the competition, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and shared ambition. Coach Keffah Wanyama of Umoja Sharks Swimming Club reflected on his team’s performance, saying, “We are incredibly proud of how our swimmers performed, especially with so many achieving personal bests. Finishing second in the girls’ category is a big step forward, and our goal next year is to dethrone Dashing Dolphins and take the overall title.”

For Kenyan parents, the Chipkizi Cup is more than just a competition; it’s a platform for their children to shine. Lawyer Wahome Thuku, a proud parent from Dashing Dolphins, emphasized the importance of family support in these young athletes’ journeys. “We as parents are committed to supporting our children and their coaches. Watching them perform at this level is inspiring and motivates us to invest even more in their dreams,” he shared.

As the coordinator of the tournament, Mark Gaya highlighted the remarkable growth of the event. “The second edition of the swimming championship has been a resounding success, attracting more participants and delivering higher standards of competition. Looking ahead, we plan to expand the swimming schedule to three days next year to accommodate the growing number of swimmers. We’re also gearing up for the Kigali International Mini Games in Rwanda next April, which will introduce additional sports like chess, skating, modern dance, taekwondo, fencing, and archery,” he announced.

The East African Chipkizi Cup 2024 was more than just a sporting event; it was a celebration of talent, resilience, and regional unity. For young athletes, this was a platform to showcase their potential on an international stage, and for teams like Dashing Dolphins, it was an opportunity to affirm it’s status as a regional powerhouse.

As the dust settles on this year’s competition, the focus now shifts to the Kigali International Mini Games in Rwanda. The promise of new records, rising stars, and expanded events like the Kigali Mini Games ensures that the legacy of the Chipkizi Cup will only continue to grow. For East Africa, this tournament has become a beacon of hope and a symbol of what the youth can achieve when given the opportunity to excel.