“`html
The Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) convened its first indoor games at the Goan Institute in Nairobi on Saturday, November 29. The games featured table tennis, chess, and darts.
The event brought together over 50 SJAK members. Participants came from various media houses across the country.
KCB Bank, Coca-Cola, LG East Africa, and Excel Chemicals sponsored the event. They provided support in various capacities.
Table Tennis Competition
Duncan Mutua of TV47 was the overall winner in table tennis. Mutua defeated Luqman Mohammed of Citizen TV with a score of 11-7.
Mohammed had previously won against Gregory Mulemi of Sporty FM. He beat him 11-2.
Chess and Darts Results
SJAK President James Waindi secured the top position in chess. Anita Omwenga of the Kenya News Agency (KNA) came in second.
Brandon Asiema of Radio Africa Group finished third. In darts, Anita Omwenga of KNA won the competition.
James Waindi and Peter Njoroge of BBC took second and third place in darts, respectively.
Awards and Recognition
The top three chess winners all received a chessboard. Overall winners in each category received a shopping voucher.
Peter Njoroge of BBC performed well in multiple games. Rebecca Magoma was recognized as the best female table tennis player.
Officials and Organizers
Mike Kuria, an ITTF-trained instructor, supervised the table tennis matches. Benson Ngari, a leading Kenyan player, officiated in the darts games.
Sponsors’ Perspectives
Peter Mwaura of KCB Bank emphasized the value of partnerships. He highlighted the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle among media professionals.
“KCB Bank is proud to have sponsored the SJAK Sports Day. We look forward to continuing our support for SJAK,” he stated.
SJAK President’s Remarks
SJAK President James Waindi commented on the initiative. He stated it aims to deepen knowledge about indoor game rules.
Waindi added the event creates engaging ways for sports journalists to connect with audiences. This helps them both on and off the field.
He noted this year marked SJAK’s first indoor games event. Waindi said the positive reception suggests it will be an annual event.
According to Waindi, they sought to offer members a unique experience. “This year, we intended to do something different,” he stated.
Event Significance
Waindi expressed his satisfaction with the event’s success. He noted it effectively combined competition and educational opportunities for journalists.
He elaborated that it gave journalists a chance to display their abilities. Furthermore, it allowed them to acquire new skills in various sports.
Waindi emphasized the importance of sports in uniting people. He highlighted its role in fostering camaraderie, even among those typically reporting.
The indoor games presented journalists an opportunity for networking. Also, it allowed them to participate in friendly competition and refine their sports skills.
“`
