Theme: End Racism. Build Peace
In the spirit of commemorating the International Day of Peace 2022, The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) held a Golf Tournament at the Kenya Railway Golf Club in Nairobi. The event kicked off on Wednesday, 22nd September 2022 with the first Golf Tournament as the curtain raiser for the inaugural event held on Saturday 24th September 2022. Being the first of its kind, the tournament brought together over 140 golfers from various golf clubs across the country comprising of youth, ladies, seniors and PWDs, both professional and amateur.
(NCIC Commissioner Sam Kona flagging-off International Day of Peace Tournament at Kenya Railway Golf Club)
(A golfer on the course during the tournament)
The two-day event brought together various golfers in commemoration of the International Day of Peace 2022 which is celebrated around the world on 21st of September each year. This is a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace through observing 24-hours of non-violence and cease-fire. The theme for this this year’s International Day of Peace was End Racism. Build Peace.
Sporting activities have been used to bring people together through peaceful interactions and indeed, this golf tournament was no different as there was harmony, kindness and love between the golfers. One thing that really stood out was the high level of discipline, respect and patience among the competing golfers.
The tournament which attracted high profile players brought out Kenya’s Rugby legend Collins Injera, national golf pros Njuguna Ngugi, Felix George, Kevin Mabele, Samuel Njoroge and NCIC’s Golf masters Commissioner Sam Kona and Director Corporate Services, Harrison Kariuki.
Participants started off by registering at the Commission’s information desk where they were fully branded with the Commission’s golf shirts before proceeding to the golf course. Before presentation of prizes to the winners, there was interludes of patriotic songs by a local live band and artists. The overall winner, Anthony Kiragu shared about his game and experience on the golf course.
(NCIC Commissioner Sam Kona delivering keynote speech)
(Overall Winner Anthony Kiragu receiving his prize)
(Lady winner receives prize from NCIC Director Corporate Services Harrison Kariuki)
(Jacqueline Mapesa receives prize for best culturally dressed lady from Rosemary Were of NCIC)
Anthony Kiragu emerged the overall winner, Jane Ndirangu took home the prize for lady winner while 15 year old Wahu Mbugua bagged the junior category winner. Other prize categories included best culturally dressed gentleman and best culturally dressed lady where Jacqueline Mapesa and KRGC Vice Chairman Ronnie Maina were feted. Most ethnically diverse four-ball teams were also awarded.
NCIC set up an information desk and gave awareness to participants on its mandate and interventions across the country. In his keynote speech, NCIC Commissioner Sam Kona acknowledged and thanked participants, NCIC staff and development partners European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES) for making the event successful.
The Commission intends to make this an annual event and cascade it to the Counties under its Sports for Peace initiative.
(Golfers at the International Day of Peace Inaugural Golf Tournament ahead of tee-off)