The second edition of the Lamu Beach Rugby tournament is set to take place in March 2025 at Wiyoni Beach on Lamu Island, following the successful conclusion of the inaugural beach edition last weekend
The tournament aims to promote sports tourism, nurture talent in Lamu County, counter violent extremism, and advocate for mental health awareness among the youth in the region.
In the 2024 event, Malindi Turtles emerged victorious, clinching the title by defeating NYS with a narrow 4-0 win in the final.
Other teams that participated included Safaricom Hook, Lamu Rugby Club, NYS Witu Rugby Club, and Witu Rugby Club.
The event was organized by Jenniffer Wairimu, the Executive Director of Waridi Foundation.
This marked the foundation’s first-ever Lamu Beach Rugby tournament and the fourth rugby event in Lamu County since 2017, with the previous editions held on the mainland.
“Our goal is to unite youth and promote messages of peace and cohesion. Sports have a unique way of bringing people together, and this event attracted over 500 attendees,” said Wairimu.
In addition to rugby, the event incorporates tree-planting activities and sessions on menstrual health and hygiene aimed at empowering young girls in the area.
The Lamu Beach Rugby tournament has quickly established itself as a vital platform for fostering community development and enhancing the social fabric of Lamu County through sports.
By Mkalla wa Mwambodze
