Nandi: Nandi County has officially launched the second edition of the BOSO Super Cup, a youth-focused sports tournament aimed at nurturing talent while combating drug and alcohol abuse. Speaking during the launch at a Kapsabet hotel, Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge emphasized that the tournament, themed ‘A Future Without Addiction,’ seeks to use sports as a tool to steer young people away from substance abuse and crime.
According to Kenya News Agency, the competition, sponsored by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), has attracted significant participation, with over 1,000 teams registering online across the county’s 30 wards. Muge stated, ‘This tournament is not just about competition, it is about securing the future of our youth. Addiction destroys families, fuels crime, and leaves behind broken dreams. If we don’t win this fight, we risk losing an entire generation.’
The expanded tournament now features both volleyball and football, with prize money increased to Sh10.5 million for football and Sh8.5 million for volleyball, bringing the total prize purse to Sh19 million. Muge noted that the initiative is already bearing fruit, revealing that at least 15 participants from last year’s edition have since been recruited into disciplined forces, demonstrating the power of sports.
In a move to promote inclusivity, this year’s edition has introduced a special category for senior citizens, with about 30 teams of grandparents aged 50 years and above registered to compete. The volleyball tournament will run throughout April, while the football matches will continue until December to give all teams an opportunity to participate.
Kenya Women’s National volleyball team coach Paul Bitok welcomed the initiative, stating it will help identify and nurture untapped talent in the county through strategic partnerships. Leader of the Majority in the county assembly Walter Teno, who attended the event alongside several Members of County Assembly (MCAs), lauded the initiative, terming it timely in addressing rising cases of drug and substance abuse among the youth.
Teno noted that the tournament provides a platform for talent development and keeps young people actively engaged, reducing their vulnerability to negative influences. He pledged to mobilize fellow MCAs to encourage youth participation and ensure the success of the programme, while also calling for investment in sports infrastructure across the county.
The leader of majority further emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between leaders, parents, and community organizations to tackle the drug menace, urging residents to support the campaign. MP Muge called on stakeholders, including leaders, sponsors, and schools, to support the initiative, stressing that investing in sports is key to building a healthier, more productive society.
