Cricket: Scenic Ol Pejeta Conservancy To Host Tenth Edition Of Annual Rhino Cup Tournament
Ken Kimani Chief Commercial Officer Ol Pejeta Conservancy(left) David Waters from Foundation for Youth Cricket and Education in Kenya ( centre) and Rob Stevenson, Tournament Director Rhino Cup during the press conference to launch the 2024 Ol Pejeta Rhino Cup Tournament set to take place on 21st to 23rd June 2024 at the Conservancy located in Laikipia County. PHOTO/ CHRISTINE OJUNG’A
By Ochieng Oyugi and Christine Ojung’a
NAIROBI, Kenya- The 10th edition of the annual Rhino Cup Cricket Tournament will be held at the scenic Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Nanyuki on June 21-23, 2024.
The world’s renowned unique cricket showpiece will feature two main contests: the competitive Rhino Cup and the social Sudan Smash, providing opportunities for players of all levels to participate and contribute towards the noble cause.
Additionally, teams will compete for the prestigious Sudan Memorial Cup, which is awarded to the team that raises the most funds for the event each year.
“As part of its charitable initiatives, the Rhino Cup covers all expenses for a team of young players from the EACDT’s Foundation for Youth Cricket and Education in Kenya (FYCEK), providing them with a unique opportunity to experience wildlife conservation and participate in a major cricket tournament,” Rob Stevevanson, Rhino Cup event director, stated.
The trophy to be contested at the 2024 Ol Pejeta Rhino Cup Tournament set to take place on 21st to 23rd June 2024 at the Conservancy located in Laikipia County. PHOTO/ CHRISTINE OJUNG’A
The tournament, which continues its legacy of combining sport with wildlife conservation to raise funds for rhino conservation efforts and grassroots cricket development in Kenya, is aptly named in honour of Sudan, the last male Northern White Rhino.
It is famed for bringing together cricket enthusiasts, conservationists, and communities for a weekend of cricketing action amidst the breathtaking backdrop of Ol Pejeta’s wildlife sanctuary.
“Participating teams from diverse backgrounds, both local and international, will converge at Ol Pejeta for a weekend of spirited competition and camaraderie. Teams pay an entrance fee, with proceeds split equally between Ol Pejeta Conservancy and EACDT, supporting vital conservation and educational programs” commented Marnie Cattermole, Rhino Cup Manager.
While expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming showdown, Ken Kimani, Chief Commercial Officer at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, stated, “The Rhino Cup embodies the spirit of collaboration and dedication towards safeguarding wildlife and empowering communities. It is heartening to witness the global cricketing community coming together to support our conservation efforts.”
Since its inception in 2015, the tournament has been a beacon of hope, raising over $100,000 (Over Ksh14 Million) to support conservation initiatives while witnessing the rhino population at Ol Pejeta grow by over 60 individuals to more than 200 in 2023.
A collaborative effort between Ol Pejeta Conservancy, The British Army (BATUK), The East Africa Character Development Trust (EACDT), the Foundation for Youth Cricket & Education in Kenya (FYCEK), and Last Man Stands T20 cricket, the Rhino Cup serves as a platform to champion two noble causes simultaneously – rhino conservation and youth empowerment through cricket.
David Waters from Foundation for Youth Cricket and Education in Kenya (right) during the launch of the 2024 Ol Pejeta Rhino Cup Tournament in Nairobi on Thursday May 23, 2024. The tournament is set to take place on 21st to 23rd June 2024 at the Conservancy located in Laikipia County. PHOTO/ CHRISTINE OJUNG’A
About Rhino Cup:
The Rhino Cup is an annual cricket tournament held at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya, aimed at raising funds for rhino conservation and grassroots cricket development.
Since its inception in 2015, the tournament has become a symbol of hope, bringing together cricket enthusiasts and conservationists from around the world.
About Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a premier wildlife conservancy in Kenya, uniquely featuring the only chimpanzee sanctuary in the country.
Committed to protecting endangered species and fostering sustainable tourism, Ol Pejeta also supports local communities through integrated conservation initiatives.
As the home of the world’s last two Northern White Rhinos, Ol Pejeta leads wildlife conservation efforts in Africa.
About EACDT:
The East Africa Character Development Trust (EACDT) is a cricket-affiliated charity that works to transform the lives of disadvantaged youth in Kenya through sport and education.
EACDT’s programs focus on instilling key personal characteristics in young individuals, empowering them to succeed both on and off the field.
