I had the pleasure of attending the Kenya Cup Volleyball Tournament last week at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
This is a truly commendable initiative spearheaded by Coach Paul Bitok, a highly respected and experienced volleyball figure not just in Kenya but also internationally.
He previously coached Rwanda’s national volleyball team, leaving a significant mark on the sport in the region. His commitment to talent development is also evident in the Paul Bitok Tournament, a platform known for scouting and nurturing promising volleyball athletes.
The Kenya Cup event was graced by the Government Spokesperson, Hon. Mwaura, alongside other notable sports delegates.
Despite the low fan turnout, the atmosphere inside the arena was electric, thanks to the vibrant cheering squads whose energy breathed life into the matches.
What truly caught my attention and what I feel compelled to highlight was the collaboration with Deliverance Church.
The church wasn’t just present; it played an active role as a partner, committed to nourishing both the players and the spectators spiritually.
During the first break, they led the crowd in powerful praise and worship. Then, just before the men’s finals, a pastor stepped in to share a short sermon and pray. It was a powerful moment.
Despite being deeply engaged in warm-ups and drills, the players paused, turned their attention to the preacher, and listened.
This simple yet profound gesture reminded me of a sports science unite called sports sociology: where we learn connection between sports and religion.
Every athlete believes in something. Across sports, we have seen players and teams praying, whether before a match, after a win, or even in defeat.
Faith brings a sense of calm and focus that nothing else can. It reminds athletes that beyond the physical struggle, there is a higher power guiding their journey.
Many believe that God is on their side, and that belief fuels resilience, courage, and hope.
It is encouraging to see this kind of partnership in action.
I am curious to see how long it will continue and whether other sports disciplines will follow suit. It was encouraging, therefore, to see President William Ruto lead Harambee Stars players and technical bench in prayer at Kasarani during a training session ahead of next month’s Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The President sought divine intervention as he motivated the team ahead of the August 3-20 tournament.
Brazil’s national football team, the “Selecao”, even have a team chaplain – a Catholic priest – as part of their technical bench at all tournaments.
Sometimes, having something or someone to look up to makes all the difference, both in sports and in life.
Brigid Chebet Ngeno is a sports scientist with a strong background in athletics from primary through high school. She is passionate about athlete education, sports scholarships, grassroots empowerment, branding, advocacy, and fighting gender-based violence. Her mission is to ensure every athlete has the opportunity to thrive both on and off the track.
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