Government Affirms Support For Junior Golf As NCBA Kenya Invitational Junior Tournament Commences At Windsor Today
NAIROBI, Kenya- The much-anticipated NCBA Kenya Invitational Junior Tournament has officially commenced today at the Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club, promising a thrilling weekend of junior golf action from Friday, 15th December to Sunday, 17th December.
Organized by U.S. Kids Golf in collaboration with the Junior Golf Foundation and proudly sponsored by NCBA Bank, the tournament boasts participation from over 120 junior golfers, representing not only Kenya but also countries such as Argentina, Austria, Belgium, China, Ghana, India, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The young talents are competing not just for the title but for the opportunity to secure U.S. Kids Golf Priority Status. This status, earned at various levels throughout the tournament, opens doors for players to qualify for esteemed U.S. Kids Golf Major Championships, including Regional, International, and World Teen Championships. Notably, the Priority Status earned from this event will be active from March 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025.
In addition to the pursuit of U.S. Kids Golf Priority Status, the tournament will also serve as a qualifying event for the World Amateur Golf Ranking for Boys and Girls aged 15–18. The competition is organized into meticulously structured age groups, ensuring fair play with each category competing from age-specific yardages.
Hon. Ababu Namwamba, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, presided over the opening ceremony yesterday, Thursday, 14th December at Windsor. Commenting on the tournament, CS Namwamba expressed the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote junior golf in the country, acknowledging the crucial role sports play in youth development.
“As the government, we recognize the important role that sports play in shaping our youth by fostering discipline and creating pathways for talent development. The commitment shown by U.S. Kids Golf, the Junior Golf Foundation Kenya, and the support from NCBA Group is commendable. Partnerships like these play a pivotal role in providing platforms for our young golfers to showcase their skills and build a foundation for future success. I encourage all partners and stakeholders to continue working together to nurture the potential of our youth and propel Kenyan golf to new heights. On behalf of the government, I would like to reaffirm our support for initiatives that promote junior golf in the country,” he said.
NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora underscored the bank’s excitement, stating, “NCBA is thrilled to be part of this very important tournament. Our support for this event underscores our dedication to nurturing and supporting the growth of junior golf, exemplified by our 7 Million Kenya Shillings investment towards golf development in partnership with JGF. We firmly believe that engaging in sports at a young age provides invaluable life lessons, and we are proud to contribute to the development of these promising young golfers from Kenya and beyond.”
Junior Golf Foundation (JGF) Kenya President Regina Gachora emphasized the tournament’s significance beyond competition, saying, “The NCBA Kenya Invitational is more than a competition; it’s an opportunity for our junior golfers to sharpen their skills through friendly competition with their peers. As they navigate the course, they not only build their technical proficiency but also foster camaraderie and sportsmanship, which are important attributes associated with the sport of golf. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to NCBA Bank for their continued commitment to the development of junior golf.”
