Nyandarua, Kenya – Over the weekend, Nyandarua played host to the Mt Kenya Bloc Aquatic Championships, drawing attention to the importance of swimming as both a sport and a vital skill for disaster preparedness. The event, held at the Nyahururu Elite School, saw the participation of seven counties, including Nyandarua, Laikipia, Kiambu, Meru, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a, emphasizing the sport’s accessibility and potential benefits beyond leisure and competition.

According to Kenya News Agency, swimming has traditionally been viewed as a sport for the affluent, a perception they aim to change by promoting inclusivity and encouraging public schools across the country, especially in rural areas, to adopt the sport. This initiative is part of a broader effort to popularize swimming in regions where it remains less common and to harness young talent for future success.

Simon Kaberu, the vice chair of Aquatics Kenya, praised the organizers and participants for their commitment to making the event both entertaining and inspirational. “Despite swimming’s lower profile in Nyandarua, the dedication from everyone involved has highlighted its value for physical fitness and competitive spirit,” Kaberu remarked.

Echoing this sentiment, Tabitha Waithaka and George Munene emphasized the sport’s alignment with the new Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), noting the enthusiastic display of skills and determination by the teams. Dr. Priscila Maina from Pearl Hospital further elaborated on swimming’s health benefits, including its role in improving cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and overall well-being.

Dr. Maina also highlighted swimming’s critical role in safety and survival situations, pointing out its ability to help individuals navigate through water to safety in the event of drowning. The championships, situated in the high-altitude setting of Nyahururu, offered spectators an exciting day of swimming action, demonstrating the sport’s growing appeal and its significant advantages for individuals of all ages.