Six children from Kibera, Nairobi, will represent Kenya at Festival 26, an international youth sports event in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, from July 5-13. Organized by Boston Scores and Sport dans la Ville, the festival will bring together more than 400 young people from 24 countries for a week of sports, leadership training, cultural exchange, and community engagement.
The Kenyan team, selected through Carolina for Kibera (CFK Africa), comprises three boys and three girls aged between 13 and 16.
…Festival 26 is held every four years, with Kenya set to make its debut this year. The previous edition was held alongside the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and brought together around 500 young people from around the world.
In Kibra, football is an activity that unites young people, and the Laini Saba grounds continue to host community tournaments that have produced several talented players. Keith Obiero, the CFK Sports Lead, said that over 500 children from Kibra, Mathare, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Viwandani, Kangemi, and Kiandutu had applied for the trip.
CFK Programmes Manager Mediatrix Tuju said: “This will be the first time most of the children have travelled by air. Through our programmes, we create opportunity for youth living in informal settlements. The experience will open their eyes to the possibilities that football can create beyond the pitch.”
Football is a key part of CFK Africa’s youth development programmes. Founded in 2001, the organization uses sport to promote community development and social inclusion.
Read the full article on the Daily Nation.
