• OTHERS

• Frank Rotich 2 days ago

‎‎ Athletes eye glory as Africa’s biggest youth sports tournament gets underway in Arusha

Young athletes from across the continent are gathering in Arusha, Tanzania, for the 2025 East African Chipkizi Cup, one of Africa’s largest youth and grassroots sports tournaments.

The competition will be held from December 19 to 21 in Arusha City and will feature football, basketball and swimming.

Over the years, the Chipkizi Cup has expanded to include more sports, giving young athletes a wider platform to compete and showcase their talent.

‎‎The tournament attracts teams from different regions each year, creating a vibrant atmosphere both on and off the field. Tournament director Mark Gaya says the event is about more than just competition.

“It is meant to bring young people together, encourage friendship, promote cultural exchange and create memories that last beyond the final whistle,” he said.

‎‎Now in its 16th edition, the Chipkizi Cup is widely regarded as Africa’s biggest grassroots sports tournament. While most teams come from East Africa, countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Cameroon will also be represented in this year’s edition.

‎‎The event is organised by the Future Stars Academy of Arusha in partnership with the Private and International Prep Schools Sports Association (PIPSSA) Kenya.

In addition to sports, the tournament features entertainment, team-building activities and opportunities for participants to experience tourism around Arusha.

‎‎Among the teams taking part is Woodcreek School, which will compete in football and swimming. The school is making its third consecutive appearance at the tournament, continuing its involvement in the regional youth sports showcase.

‎‎A total of 130 boys’ and girls’ teams from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania Mainland, Zanzibar, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Cameroon are taking part, highlighting the tournament’s growing international reach.

‎‎Swimming competitions will be managed by Khalid Yahya Rushaka, Tanzania’s first Olympic swimmer and head coach of North Coast Swimming Club in Dar es Salaam. He confirmed that events will be run under World Aquatics rules and described the Chipkizi Cup as a key platform for young swimmers to test themselves against strong competition.