Sadili Oval Sports Academy Celebrates the 2017 Day of the African Child

Sadili Oval Sports Academy on 16^th June 2017 joined the rest of the continent in celebrating this year’s edition of the Day of the African Child. This event was carried out in partnership with various organizations in Nairobi including Green Card Mtaani, Kibera Vision Achievers, Children International among others. Commemoration of the day was conducted under the theme ‘accelerating protection, empowerment and equal opportunities for children in Africa by 2030’, a reminder of the linkages between the regional and global agendas on development, and the importance of promoting child rights.

Hundreds of children marched through the streets of Kibera Slums, carrying hand-painted posters and placards calling on grown-ups in the country to take lead in creating a fair society that ensures they are protected from abuse and are given equal opportunities to succeed. After marching alongside a children’s band, they settled at Undugu grounds to take part in workshops, poetry and plays geared towards the theme of the event.

Sadili staff took it upon themselves to create awareness on the importance of practicing proper hygiene habits like hand washing and menstrual hygiene management. Both of these play a big role in the lives of children and adolescent girls, both biologically and culturally. Gender equity becomes an issue when girls lack appropriate menstrual hygiene education, affecting their health, dignity and education. Sadili through its Court of Dreams (WASH) programme is keen on improving the lives of young people  by promoting good hygiene habits, which are vital for their health and development.

Fidelis Pendo

“It has been a great day. This is the first time I am participating in such an event, and I didn’t even know there is a day set aside to celebrate us!” commented Fidelis Pendo, a std.3 pupil at Blessed Children’s centre in Kibera. “I enjoyed marching alongside the band and watching the plays,” he added. “I have also learnt that washing hands without soap after play does not kill all germs and we can still fall sick, unless we use soap.”

The Day of the African Child is celebrated every year to honour those who participated in South Africa’s Soweto Uprising when 10,000 black school children marched on June 16, 1976 in protest of the poor quality of their education. Hundreds were shot that day and many killed. On June 16th every year since 1991, governments, NGOs, international organisations and other stakeholders gather to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the full realization of the rights of children Africa. The day also raises awareness on the need for improvement of the education provided to African children.

Slum Basketball Tournament Showcases Kids' Talent

Children under WASH program from Kibera slum were treated to a basketball tournament  at Sadili Oval's dusty Kibera tennis and basketball court on Saturday 28th, May, 2016. The basketball tournament was organized by Sadili Oval staff among them were coaches Asha Adongo and Trizah Mboya.

Coach Adongo takes the captains through note-flipping method to determine which team starts the tournament.

52 talented and excited children between 8 and 12 years turned up for the tournament which kicked off at 3pm as Coach Adongo introduced a flipping – note method to determine which team would start. The kids were divided into two teams; Blue team and Red team respectively, each team was composed of seven players and two bench-servers from each side.

Among the spectators was the Kibera tennis court caretaker, Mr. Wasonga who enjoyed the tournament throughout. Some of the kids could not manage to sit down long enough when the Blue team scored their first goal instead they broke into a dance to celebrate making the game more interesting.

Due to the large numbers and need to give everyone a chance the first session of the tournament lasted for one hour before half – time break! The two coaches coordinated this entertaining tournament and introduced a 30-minutes training before the second part of the game, the goal was to introduce a life skill, highlight the mistakes made during first – half and to help the kids exercise.

A brief training moment to point mistakes made during first – half of the match.

In the second – half, which also took an hour, the game became a neck to neck battle since the two teams had locked scores 1-1 and each team wanted to emerge the winner. On the other hand, the fans became more cheerful and their undying support to the individual teams kept the players moving and more aggressive to defend the winning title.

Both teams battle for a chance to emerge the winner.      

Coach Trizah gives instructions to the kids during the training session

The whistle was blown on top of the hour to end the match and following an itch to have the winner from the lively spectators, the basketball rule had to be broken which added more fun into the day; a delightful session was introduced where all the players and the coaches, tried their luck to add in more scores for the respective teams. Coach Trizah managed a score for Blue team.

Team Green shoots in style!

The tournament came to an enthralling end with team Green having lost 3 – 2 to Blue team.

This court, originally an area used by women for cultivating vegetables, was offered by the women of Katwekera to Director, Dr. Liz Odera, for use as a safe space for their kids to learn sports. It has now become the only space available for open play, and life skill learning, managed by Sadili Oval's trained social educators and community coaches.

Dan Limbago (USTA) A Hit At Sadili

The Sadili camps kick started on high note on the 17/12/12. A lot of energy could be felt all round within the various displines from Tennis, Basketball, Soccer and Rugby.

Fitness with Dan Limbago

Undaunted by the heavy rains that fell for the better part of Tuesday morning, athletes at Sadili couldn’t miss an opportunity of taking advantage of training with visiting trainers, Mr. Dan Limbago who is the national manager of National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL), at the United States Tennis Association (USTA), assisted by Sadili Oval’s own; Dr. Elizabeth Odera, (Director of Sadili Oval Sports Academy).

From the Basketball court, Mr. Nick-Caro O’Neil Golding who was an Instructor with MPAC Sports in the U.A.E Dubai (from Chicago, USA) had intense sessions with students who were only eager to fill their curiosity and skill on the game. Their determination written all over their faces was a clear indication of how well they would like to excel.

Speaking to Sadili Oval’s Evelyne Guchura, Mr. Nick-Caro said that he had seen a lot of potential in the Kenyan youth training at Sadili Oval Sports Academy. ‘We need to tap this talent at a young age for the fundamental basics so as to grow the talent in the game with time.’ said Nick. He hopes that during his stay in Kenya, he is going to offer some innovative developments in sports especially starting from the primary schools level, while working together with various partners involved. 

Surprise Wins At East Africa Junior Tennis Open

2012 National Schools Doubles Champion, Jamin Luvembe (Kenya) today defeated Amadi Kagoma (Burundi) 6/4 6/3 in at outstanding display of swift returns and amazing angles, breaking the Burundian's long reign to become the reigning Champion, at the annual East Africa Junior Tennis Open held at Sadili Oval Sports Academy in Langata, Nairobi. Henry Ayesiga came third after beating Richard Ooko 6.2. In the girls Under 18s, 15 year old Chizi Mutsumi (Kenya) beat Lorna Bhwenjje (Kenya) 6/1 6/4 to lift the crown. The girls Under 16 saw Chizi once again grab the trophy, after beating Melissa Brown (Tanzania) 6/3 6/2. Antonia Szapary (Austria) was third. In the Boys 16s, Henry Ayesiga (Uganda) played a long and difficult match against Robert Kasombo (Kenya), slipping through 4-6 6-2 12-10 too finals, where he beat John Lutaaya (Uganda) 6/2 6/1. Amon Muinde was third. Fourth seed Shivam Shah made short work of his opponents Byron Omondi (Kenya) 6/1 6/0, upset 2nd seed Wycliffe Okenye (Kenya) 6/2 6/4, and beat top seed Ronex Otieno (Kenya) 6/1 6/2 to take the Boys Under 14s. Wycliffe Okenye was third. The girls Under 12s was an exciting array for matches in a 16-draw that saw Alissa Thakker meet Tatiana Szapary (Austria) in the finals, winning 4/1 4/0. Little known Elizabeth Aluoch was third, after beating favourite Prisha Shah 5-3. The Boys 10s discovered new talent, with Kael Shah winning all matches, and closely followed by Hilary Atsango who lost to him 4-11 in their final. Ian Okungu was third.

The four-day event which attracted 74 entries, displayed major talent from some of the best children from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, UK and Austria. The Kenya Lawn Tennis Association (KLTA) Chairman, Mrs. Paurvi Rawal, was on hand to give prizes at the closing event and encouraged players to continue to play tournaments, confirming that this tournament will receive recognition and ranking by the association. Th tournament concludes this year's East Africa Safari Junior Tennis Camp, which was sponsored by Sadili val's partners, who included Tamarind Group, Sarova Group, Millfield School, and Virgin Atlantic, amongst others.

Helping Build Tennis in the Slums

If you would like to help us improve their court check out our Globalgiving site: http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/build-tennis-and-dreams-in-the-kibera-slums-kenya/

Millfield Coaches Introduce Rugby

Safari Rugby Camp came light when Paul Reed arrived on the 13th August and took to the pitch for an exciting week of introducing rugby to young children from Sadili's programs. Paul to trains the extraordinarily successful U15 rugby teams at Millfield School, UK, quickly got onto Sadili Oval Sports Academy's pitch and introduced rugby to a group of Under 12 boys for the first time, and within one day, got them really keen and excited to play. He was joined by Millfield School's Sports Director, Dr. Graeme Maw. 
Both coaches are in Kenya as part of a partnership with Sadili Oval to develop sports, in partnership with Virgin Atlantic, Embassy of France, Tamarind, and Sarova Hotels Group, amongst others. Special mention must be made of the Embassy of France for supporting the start of a rugby school at Sadili, from which the program began.

Paul played rugby for Saracens, Cambridge University, England Students and Hong Kong. He has coached Cranleigh school 1st XV and 7's sides and Surrey county U15's -U18's but now focuses on developing U15 rugby players at Millfield and teaching Accounting and Economics. 


Graeme is Sports Director at Millfield School. Graeme attained Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees in sports science, physiology and management. He progressed to positions of performance manager or director with Queensland Swimming, British Triathlon and the Welsh Rugby Union, playing leading roles at multiple Olympic and Commonwealth Games along the way, and leading British Triathlon to the forefront of the world.

Smashers Challenge Cup Ends On A High Note

Amadi Kagoma

The 3^rd edition of the annual Safari Junior Tennis Camp concluded run by Sadili Oval at Karen Country Club, with Amadi Kagoma (Bur) beating Barakamfitiye Yusuf (Bur) in a closely contested final, 6-3 3-6 11-9, in the Boys 18s and Melissa Brown downing Chizi Mutsumi 6-3 6-7(4) 1—6 to lift the Girls Under 18s.

Gemma Gauntlett beat Alice Ayoma 6/3, while Emma Trent cleared Sheila Elizabeth our of the way 6/1 to set up a finalin which Gaunlett won 6-1 to take the girls Under 12 title.

In the boys under 14, favourite Sneha Kotecha beat Wycliffe Okenye 6-2 6-2 in the group stages before losing to Sylvester Juma 0-6 0-6 in the semis. Ronex Otieno was made to work and only just slipped through in his semi-final match against Wycliff Okenye, 6-2 2-6 10-8, then again meeting tough challenge in the finals, to beat Sylvester Juma 6-7(3) 6-6 10-8. The round robin tournament, which is a warm-up for the East Africa Junior Open, was well attended, with a total of 37 players between 12 and 18 years.

Other results were as follows:

BS 12  Round Robin

Rishi Patel

Antony Owiti- Davis Matanda                                           6-4 ;

Davis Matanda - Nigel Odhiambo                                     6-3 ;

Antony Owiti - Nigel Odhiambo                                        7-6(4) ;

Davis Matanda - Kageche Kevin                                       6-1 ;

Antony Owiti -Kageche Kevin                                           6-1 ;

Nigel Odhiambo - Kageche Kevin                                     6-1 ;

            GS 12 - Group A Round Robin

Gauntlett Gemma  - Baraka Riziki                                      6-1 ;

Gauntlett Gemma - Sheila Elizabeth                                    6-0 ;                                                                   

Sheila Elizabeth - Baraka Riziki                                          6-1 ;

Trent Emma - Ayoma Alice                                               6-1 ;

Trent Emma - Trent Kayle                                                 6-2 ;

Ayoma Alice - Trent Kayle                                                6-1 ;

SF

Gauntlett Gemma - Ayoma Alice                                      6-3 ;

Trent Emma - Sheila Elizabeth                                          6-1 ;

Final

Gauntlett Gemma - Trent Emma                                       6-1 ;

the story continues...

Making The African Stars Part I: Basketball and Tennis Talent Tell Their Story

A few of the players share their stories, hopes and dreams for the future!! Some of them have graduated and made it, while others continue to work towards their goals.

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Why Serena Williams Visited Sadili

See why Sadili is so important to African Tennis!!

Interviewing Kenya Team Olivier Kigotho

14 year old Olivier Kigotho has made the national team, barely one year after joining Sadili Talent Training Academy in Langata, Nairobi. Olivier will be representing Kenya at the ITF/CAT U14 Circuit in Burundi and Rwanda from the 6th - 17th August 2012. I caught up with Olivier at Sadili as he stepped off the court following a tough evening training session. For a boy so young, he exuded quiet confidence and smiled a lot, so I was able to plunge quickly into my interview:

J - Why did you switch from playing basketball to playing tennis competitively?

O – Well I had initially played tennis and then started playing basketball because it was closer to home, while I was in school in the USA. Then when I came back to Kenya, I started playing tennis again, because I liked it better.

J - How does it feel to be playing for the national team?

O – It feels really good, like my hard work is playing off.

J - When you started playing tennis again was it your goal to be on the National Team?

O - Not exactly but I didn’t think that I would be on the national team so quickly.

J - Do you have any short or long term goals for tennis?

O- For the short term I want to play well for the national team, and get into my academy team too (which is actually quite hard) and just keep playing well. And long term, I guess, get a tennis scholarship for a college.

J - in the USA? Europe?

O- I'm not really sure, still thinking about it! (smile)

J- Is there any area that you feel you improved on the last year? Or things you would like to see improve?

O - Im not really sure... (shrug)

J- So your are going to Burundi and Rwanda, how do you feel about competing there?

O - Quite nervous, actually

J - About anything in particular or just in general?

O - In general, but I also know most of the players, and its going to be tough.

J - Do you have any particular goals for these competitions? Winning the whole thing? Making it to quarters?

O - Not really just play my best I guess....I just want to stay focused on that, so I train hard

J-  What does it feel like being able to travel to other countries doing something you love?

O – It feels good! I have been exposed to different kinds of places and players. I think its the most important part. I have learned a lot.

J- Which are some of the countries you have played tennis competitions in since you joined Sadili?

O - the UK, Uganda, Burundi, Rawanda, and, well Kenya...

J- Is there a country that you would love to visit for a competition?

O- Yes! Spain, I've heard it has good players and its very nice place! (laugh)

Summer Holiday Camps 2012

All camps include free supervised art, reading and lifeskills. Scholarships available for all sports, apply early.

TENNIS

NAIROBI TENNIS CAMPS - Sadili Oval Tennis Academy

Tiny Tots: 9.00 – 9.45 a.m., Beginners: 10.00 – 11.00 a.m., Intermediate: 11.30 a.m – 12.30 p.m., Junior Squad: 2.00 p.m., Performance Squad: 3.00 – 4.30 p.m. Kshs. 3,500 per week

Week 1: 9 – 13 July 2012

Week 2: 16 – 20 July 2012

Week 3: 23 – 27 July 2012

Week 4: 20 – 24 August 2012

8-SERIES JUNIOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT number 4: 7 July

A Level D ranking Tennis Africa event for beginner-intermediate players in the Under 6, Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Over 14 year categories, boys and girls will be held at Sadili Oval.

Junior Training at Karen Country Club: 16 – 20 July (members only). 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.: 5-10 years – Tennis, 10.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.: 11 – 16 years – Tennis, 9.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m.: 11 – 16 years – Soccer, 10.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.: 5-10 years – Soccer. Kshs. 3,000 per sport per week.

Junior Training at Nyali Golf and Country Club Mombasa: 16 – 20 July 2012 (half-day camps): 4-7yrs: 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Ages 8-14: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Charge:  Kshs. 3000 per person.

EA SAFARI JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP: 6 – 17 August 2012

East Africa’s No. 1 Camp for 6 years to 18 years & includes high performance training for tournament players. Recognised by partners UNEP, Global Sports Alliance and Professional Tennis Registry.
Top Coaches from Africa, Europe and USA will attend. Entry fee: Kshs. 18000 or US$ 320 (non residents) which includes refreshments and lunch. Full boarding facility available at Kshs. 25,500 or US$ 320 (non-residents). This charge covers full board (all meals) from 6th – 17^th August 2012. Scholarships available. Entries close on 30^th June.

SMASHERS CHALLENGE TOURNAMENT NO. 3: 11 - 12 August 2012

A Level B ranking Tennis Africa event for intermediate-advanced players in the  U12, U14, U16, U18 & U21 categories, boys and girls will be held at Karen Country Club and Sadili Oval.

EAST AFRICA JUNIOR TENNIS OPEN 2011 15 – 17 August 2012
A Tennis Africa Tournament for intermediate and advanced players in the Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18 categories, boys and girls.

SWIMMING

BARRACUDA SWIMMING CAMP – SADILI OVAL

Week 1: 9 – 13 July 2012

Week 2: 16 – 20 July 2012

Week 3: 23 – 27 July 2012

Week 4: 20 – 24 August 2012

Weekdays from 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Introduction to water skills, Fundamental Aquatic Skills, Stroke Development, Stroke Improvement, Stroke Refinement. Kshs. 3,500 per person per week.

BARRACUDA PRACTICE GALA– 24^th August 2012 afternoon. Lots of prizes!

BASKETBALL

ANNUAL EA BASKETBALL FUTURE CHAMPS SUMMER CAMP:

13 -16 August 2012

Top USA, UK and Africa basketball coaches will be running this camp. Ages: 9 to 21 years. Entry fee: Kshs. 18,000 or US$ 320 (non residents) which includes refreshments and lunch. Full boarding facility available at Kshs. 25,500 or US$ 345 (non-residents) for the players. This charge covers full board (including breakfast and supper) from 12^th - 16^th August 2012. Scholarships available. Recruiters have been invited to attend. Entries close on 30^th July.

12^th August: Arrival and registration

13^th and 14^th August: Youth basketball clinics.

15^th August: Basketball Coaches Conference

Morning: coaches to discuss techniques and new trends, share experiences, with on-court presentations. Networking luncheon. Afternoon: Junior basketball clinic.

16^th August: 3 on 3, and All-Star Game, Awards.

17^th August: Coach’s visit to Nairobi National Park, Elephant Park, Giraffe Manor and Bomas of Kenya.

AEROBICS/FITNESS/GYM/DANCE

AEROBICS, GYM, DANCE – SADILI OVAL

Weekdays from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon Kshs. 3,500 per week.

You’ll learn power walking, kids-step, aero-step, cardio-funk, ndombolo systems and others. Circuit gym for strength building and conditioning.

Week 1: 9 – 13 July 2012

Week 2: 16 – 20 July 2012

Week 3: 23 – 27 July 2012

Week 4: 20 – 24 August 2012

SOCCER/RUGBY

ANNUAL EA SOCCER FUTURE CHAMPS SUMMER CAMP

30^th July to 3^rd August 2012

Under 7: 9.30 a.m., U11: 10.30 a.m., U15: 11.30 a.m., U17: 2.00 p.m., Performance Squad: 3.00 – 4.30 p.m.

Qualified FIFA – trained coaches in attendance. Meet some of Kenya’s stars too! Kshs. 3,500 per week.

ANNUAL EA RUGBY FUTURE CHAMPS SUMMER CAMP

27^th to 31^st August 2012

Under 7: 9.30 a.m., u12: 10.30 a.m., U14: 11.30 a.m., U17: 2.00 p.m., Performance Squad: 3.00 – 4.30 p.m. Train with the best and meet some of Kenya Rugby stars! Kshs. 3,500 per week.

NON-SPORT ACTIVITIES

FRENCH/PORTUGUESE/ENGLISH/SWAHILI CLASSES: July and August Kshs. 3000 per week. Daily from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. You learn to use the everyday spoken language. Good for those who hope to visit and play your chosen sport. Scholarships available.

SUBJECT TUITION: All subjects, experienced teachers from top schools. Charges: 1-2 subjects 3,500 per week; 3-4 subjects 4,500 per week.

COMPUTER CLASSES: Kshs. 2,500 per week

Community library is open all summer at Sadili, enjoy it!

Music classes: learn to play an instrument!

Classes are available at Sadili for most instruments, run by excellent teachers.

FULL BOARD ACCOMMODATION

MALEZI SCHOOL: Charge: Kshs. 1850 per day, Kshs. 12,500 per week.  GONA SUITES: Charge: 4,000 a day or Kshs. 42,000 for two weeks.

HOLIDAY SPORTS CAMPS – SADILI OVAL SPORTS ACADEMY

Off Kitengela Road, next to Malezi School, Langata

P. O. Box 8477, Nairobi 00100

Mobile: 0721-556062/0727-843864

askus@sadili.com ; www.sadili.com