KISUMU – Kisumu County has announced the 2023 Governor’s Cup, a football tournament to be held across the region, with the aim of leveraging the sport to raise awareness on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The tournament, which kicked off at Pap Kadundo in Seme Sub-County, will engage football enthusiasts in a month-long series of matches designed to strengthen community bonds and provide a platform for local talent.

According to Kenya News Agency, the County Executive Committee Member for Sports, the 2023 edition of the Governor’s Cup is not only about nurturing grassroots football talents but also serves as a means to sensitize the community on socio-economic issues, particularly SGBV. The initiative plans to mobilize and empower community members through the unifying power of sport.

The competition is set to unfold in all 35 wards of Kisumu County, with local stakeholders responsible for selecting teams to represent their wards at the Sub-County level. The culminating finals will see the victors of the Sub-Counties face off at the Kenyatta International Stadium in Mamboleo on December 3, 2023.

This year’s theme underscores the role of sports in talent promotion and SGBV awareness, aiming to foster physical development and showcase local sports and arts talents. Beyond the field, the event is intended to facilitate community-driven solutions to local challenges, including violence against women and girls, and promote general community wellbeing.

To ensure the success of the tournament, Ms. Odongo highlighted the intention to engage with various partners and stakeholders from the public and private sectors. This collaboration aims to supplement the budgetary allocations which may be insufficient to fully realize the tournament’s comprehensive vision.

Expected outcomes from the Governor’s Cup include a heightened public appreciation for gender equality and social status, increased awareness among youth of opportunities within the devolved government, and a strategic placement of identified sports talents into the broader sports market.