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The Nairobian

All set for Watamu Rugby Festival: The week-long event scheduled for next week in Kilifi County

Rugby

By FeverPitch Reporter | Jul 26, 2014

Jeremy Chimwani (left) contends with Italian Azzurri player during their International friendly tie at Gede School ground in Watamu last match. [PHOTO: TABITHA OTWORI/ STANDARD]

The first edition of Watamu rugby festival will take place from July 29 to August 3.

The week-long event was launched by Benjamin Ayimba and the organising committee including event co-ordinator Noni Mbugguss and Masaku rugby club coach Jason Hammond in the presence of Kilifi County Tourism Minister Alphonce Tokali and Tourism Director Naftali Kombo.

The contest aims to present rugby in all its forms- masculine and feminine to the community of Kilifi and neighbouring counties.

Ayimba said the event will sensitise the community, especially the youth to rugby values which include respect of rule, authority, differences, opponents as well as team work and solidarity discipline.

He noted that discussions were underway with sponsors who were also present at the launch on how to make the event a success.

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It will also act as a platform to launch a rugby academy in Watamu that will open doors in November this year.

He added that the festival will draw teams from all over the country including international and women teams.

Minister Tokali welcomed the organisers praising them for their vision saying it’s a long term project where many youth will be exposed to the sport and with the launch of the academy, the talented ones will be nurtured to a higher level.

He also said the festival is the right vessel to market tourism in Kilifi.

The festival will promote Watamu and Kilifi County as a whole and open doors for sports tourism,” said Tokali who also assured organisers that they count on the county’s support for the festival.

Guido Bertoni of Garoda resort, the major sponsor, said the festival will market Watamu as a tourism destination especially the domestic market.

He noted that he will support the development of rugby in Watamu adding that the festival will bring people from far and wide to give them a taste of the delights of Watamu which apparently is rated sixth best beach in the world.

Bertoni treated all invited guests to a two-day stay at Garoda Beach Resort venue

The programme include rugby clinics in schools conducted by Jason Hammond and his team.There will also be friendly matches from Tuesday to Thursday.

The highlight of the event will be the beach rugby tournament at Garoda Resort next Friday and Saturday.