By A, KNA
Joska grannies FC from Machakos County were crowned the winners of the ‘kick for health’ grannies tournament Molo Edition at the Molo Stadium, after crashing Tugumoi grannies FC from Elgeyo Marakwet 7-0, in a thrilling encounter.
The Tournament which target to address health issues including hypertension, blood sugar, arteritis and depression among elderly members of the society, attracted at least 35 teams from 15 Counties.
The grannies lauded the initiative noting that through this sports, many have acquired good health and social status as they can reignite their youthful life at old age.
Speaking to the press at Molo Stadium after the Award ceremony, Joska FC Captain, Lucy Kathuria, said the grannies sports has helped many women in the society who were battling with various ailments to regain their fitness besides being used as an avenue for empowerment as the groups have introduces activities like table banking and savings.
“I must thanks the brain behind this big dream. Many women who were left hopeless in the society and struggling with main ailments are now busy kicking the ball with eager and enthusiasm as if they are at their prime age,” noted Kathuria.
The sentiment which was echoed by Martha Waema and Nancy Geumi from Kapyanga grannies from Molo saying the tournament has help them to get new networks in business besides their body fitness.
“This grannie tournament has helped many grannies get new networks opening up their business opportunities and also helping them kip fit as they can now handle depression since they don’t operate in isolation,” said Gaumi captain Kapyanga grannies FC.
Molo Member of Parliament, Kuria Kimani, who graces the occasion as the Chief Guest, lauded the initiative, terming it a game changer towards addressing health issues in the society as this sports will help them save money they wasted on medication daily by redirecting same funds on investment.
“I am glad to see a 84 grannie kicking the ball yet most youths waste a lot of their time on internet not on constructive use but on hate speech and blackmail,” said Kuria.
This legislator warned youths against drugs and divisive politics on tribal affiliation noting that they will ruin their future.
“The youth of this nation must rethink and redirect their energy on sports which is a multibillion industry which can transform anyone in a blink of an eye,” said Kuria.
“We must do health politics and learn from the sports which unites all irrespective of the age, gender or tribal affiliation,” he added.
Daraje grannies captain Irine Terreni noted that as women from Baringo County, they are using the grannies tournament to sensitize the community against banditry activities which had left many homeless.
Daraje FC from Baringo beat Nakuru grannies 1-0 , with Kauyanga supper grannies from Molo securing victory with same margin against Oleleshwoi grannies from Narok county.
Other teams came from Nairobi, Kakamega, Eldoret, Nandi, Bometi, just to mention but a few.
End/ Sports/ Obure/Lang’at
DSC 0668- Joska FC break into dance receiving Award from Molo MP, Kuria Kimani.
DSC 0636- Molo MP Kimani Kuria, share light moment with the oldest grannie in the tournament aged 94 years.
DSC 0653- DCC Molo Jackson Olechuta, giving medal to runners-up team in the tournament.